Utah's proposed homeless camp claims to be 'most compassionate policy anywhere'
8 days ago
- #homelessness
- #Utah
- #policy
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox defends the state's $100 million homeless shelter plan, rejecting comparisons to Nazi concentration camps.
- Cox criticizes 'housing-first' policies, advocating for a 'treatment-first' approach to address homelessness and addiction.
- Utah's homeless population hits a record high, with a 36% increase in chronically homeless individuals.
- Recent legislation includes extending involuntary commitment times and enhancing penalties for drug possession near shelters.
- Cox seeks federal funding for the project, calling it his top priority for the 2026 legislative session.
- The state has invested over $266 million in homeless services since 2020, with additional funds for shelters and treatment programs.
- Critics argue Utah's approach relies too much on law enforcement and lacks sufficient psychiatric resources.
- Cox claims Utah's policy is the most compassionate in the country and has drawn interest from blue-state governors.