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March 11, 2007
"Homelessness in Utah"
by Pamela Atkinson

Pamela Atkinson has been an advocate for the homeless in Utah for more than eighteen years. She serves on the State Homeless Coordinating Committee, the Coalition for Utah’s Future Board, Envision Utah, The Hope Alliance, BMW Bank of North America Board, Caring Foundation for Children, the Alliance for Unity and the University of Utah’s School of Business National Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.

Pamela works directly with homeless and low-income people and collaborates with a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve these populations. The Pamela Atkinson Homeless Trust Fund, which is funded by the Utah State Legislature and taxpayer donations, provides funding to various agencies statewide in moving people from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

"I believe that there must be private and public partnerships in order to prevent a variety of societal ills. Most people are willing to give of their time and skills when opportunities to serve are presented to them. There are volunteer opportunities in many settings and in collecting bedding, clothing, food and other essentials for families who are making the transition from homelessness to having homes of their own. I strongly believe that we should never underestimate the powerful impact on people from even a small amount of giving and caring."