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Link to Study
Aug. 29, 2000
"WE HAVE ALL THE BIG CITY PROBLEMS. AND IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME, I'LL TAKE YOU TO THOSE AREAS AND SHOW YOU."
Leaders of Utah's top charities say the image of Salt Lake City as a great place to live is an illusion for a large number of people.
The leaders of the Salt Lake Area United Way organization delivered statistics today which they say should be a splash of cold water in the face for anyone who thinks all is well in Salt Lake City.
News Specialist Stacey Butler has the story.
When many think of Salt Lake City, they think of city streets that are quiet, clean, and for the most part, affluent.
But the non-profit organizations that deal with poverty, homelessness and child abuse say there's another side to Salt Lake---a much darker one that's getting harder to ignore.
The United Way says there's a growing gulf between the Salt Lake City where the affluent enjoy a booming economy and a Salt Lake with children no one can afford.
Among several eye-opening statistics -- nearly half of the students in Salt Lake City school district live below the poverty line.
The United Way detailed the problems in a video called "The Tale of Two Cities."
Deborah Bayle/CEO Salt Lake United Way: "IT'S BEEN VERY STARTLING FOR ME TO FIND HOW MANY NEEDS THERE ARE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND HOW MANY PEOPLE AREN'T EVEN AWARE OF THEM."
According to United Way, there are 50,000 drug abusers in Salt Lake County.
One in four women in Utah will be the victim of domestic violence and the charitable organization says suprisingly, child sexual abuse in Utah is double the national average.
James Jensen/Director- Boys and Girls Club:
"I'VE BEEN THE DIRECTOR FOR 31 YEARS AND I HEAR ABOUT THINGS EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT SURPRISE ME."
Deborah Bayle/CEO Salt Lake United Way: "EVERYBODY WHO COMES TO UTAH THINKS EVERYBODY WHO LIVES IN SALT LAKE IS HEALTHY, IS HAPPY, HAS A GREAT LIFESTYLE. BUT AS WE'RE FINDING OUT, THAT JUST IS NOT THE CASE AT ALL."
The United Way organization runs the Utah Children's Center, and the local Boys and Girls' clubs, among other organizations.
They say the answer to many problems is early intervention, and the group says it can show some success with its programs, which organizers today said need more local volunteers.
"IT WILL TAKE THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY TO GET TOGETHER IN THE COMMUNITY IN NOT ONLY THEIR TIME, BUT THEIR RESOURCES."
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From The United Way
- The Salt Lake Area Gang Project has identified 3,608 known male and 561 known female gang members.
- One in eight Utah women has experienced physical abuse and one in three has experienced emotional abuse in relationships.
- Taxpayers save at least $4,000 per year for every youth who is no longer involved with the juvenile justice system.
- As many as 4,000 individuals are homeless in the Greater Salt Lake Area each year; 10% - 15% are children or teenagers living on the streets.
- 28,051 children in Salt Lake County live in poverty (defined in 1998 as a family of four living on $16,530 or less).
- Research shows that a child participating in quality early childhood development is 40-50% less likely to be a teen parent, live on welfare, or go to jail.
- 25,000 people with disabilities live in Salt Lake County.
- Utah has the fifth fastest growing elderly population in the country.
- At least 50,000 Salt Lake County residents over the age of 12 who are considered substance abusers.
- Research shows that for every dollar spent today on substance abuse treatment, the public saves $7.14 in later social services costs.
- At least 10% of ethnic minorities living in Salt Lake County do not understand or speak English.
The United Way sponsors six "Community Solutions" teams to help tackle these problems. The teams are Success by 6, Destination Graduation, Seeds for Self-reliance, Communities at Peace, Healthy for Life, and Creating Solutions.
The United Way is looking for feedback, which can be given on its website.
For more information, or to view the United Way study, go to www.uw.org.
