A recent poll shows that 46 percent of Americans think thmt the cost of living is the worst that they have ever seen. Analysis from the Kem Gardner Policy Institute shows that affordability issues are worse than average in Utah due to our high housing costs. Utah has the ninth highest cost for purchasing a home in the nation, with a median priced home cost $547,700. Meanwhile, the average rental unit costs $1,593 per month-- which is a total of $19,116 per year. It is impossible for person with disabilities trying to survive on a monthly SSI payment of $967 per month to avoid homelessness in this economy without help.
That is why it is so disappointing that some very influential people in Utah are trying to make it be a crime to be unable to afford the cost of living in Utah. The head of the Social Work Program at Utah State University wrote this strong analysis of what is wrong with efforts to criminalize homelessness for the Deseret News. 

FACE Hunger and Homelessness is organizing a rally for housing and services to end homelessness on the Thursday before the beginning of the state legislative session begins, January 15, 2026, at 11 AM in the Rotunda at the Utah Capitol Building.  We are building a list of community partners joining us at the rally that is posted below.  

Everyone who cares about ending homelessness for families with children, youth, seniors and people with disabilities is welcome to join us at the Utah Capitol Building on  January 15, 2026.

read and sign our statement before the rally

Organizations participating in the Rally for Housing and Services to End Homelessness

Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church