The holidays provide natural and plentiful opportunities for businesses to focus on community impact. Utah is an amazing place to live, but the reality is that there are many individuals who need help. The 2025 Homelessness Annual Report revealed homelessness in Utah has risen by 18 percent in 2025, with more than 4,500 Utahns, 650 of whom are children, experiencing homelessness. This is the largest year-over-year increase our state has seen in several years.
In Utah, business leaders have long embraced the idea that economic growth is most meaningful when it uplifts an entire community. Just as we invest in technology readiness and workforce development, addressing homelessness is an investment in our state’s stability and growth. When our neighbors struggle with housing insecurity, it affects local labor markets, public safety and the business climate that has made Utah a premier destination for companies and talent.
Strategic approaches for maximum impact
Businesses can approach homelessness support with the same strategic thinking they apply to other challenges. Here are several ways Utah companies can consider making a difference:
- Partner with established organizations: Collaborate with proven local nonprofits, such as The Road Home, Volunteers of America Utah or the Salt Lake City Mission. These organizations have the infrastructure to maximize every dollar and volunteer hour.
- Focus on workforce development: Many people who are experiencing homelessness want to work but face barriers like a lack of identification, appropriate clothing or transportation. Businesses can look into partnering with service providers to offer job training, interviewing workshops or entry-level positions with support services. This avenue creates a pipeline of motivated workers while addressing human needs.
- Provide essential services: Consider what your business does best and how that fits into solutions for supporting homelessness. Construction companies can volunteer with building projects, technology firms can help with digital literacy programs or restaurants could coordinate meal services. Even office space is valuable, as many nonprofits need meeting rooms for support groups.
- Support year-round stability: While holiday giving matters, think about establishing ongoing partnerships. The previously mentioned Point-in-Time report shows the average emergency shelter stay increased by 10 days in 2024, highlighting the need for consistent support systems that help people transition to permanent housing, not just a need for support during the cold months.
Despite challenging statistics, there are reasons for optimism. Of the additional people experiencing homelessness in 2025, 95 percent were sheltered rather than living on the streets, demonstrating the effectiveness of expanded shelter capacity.
Additionally, plans to increase accessible and affordable permanent housing opportunities through Utah Rising signal a long-term commitment to solutions. Addressing homelessness isn’t just charity; it’s about building the kind of community where businesses and families want to locate and grow. When we ensure all Utahns have access to stable housing and support services, we strengthen the foundation for continued economic growth.
