SPECIAL REPORT: Are We Doing Enough?

Greetings my homeless friends and neighbors and others: 

Your editor helps with outreach for a local free clinic every week in the Rio Grande neighborhood where he used to, and all of you still, unfortunately, live. I feel privileged to do so, love doing so, and wish I could do so more frequently. It is one of the most effective outreaches this formerly homeless man has ever participated in, reaching a couple dozen people every week, helping them receive better access to healthcare, and better treatment when they must see a medical provider.

But, I received some sad news yesterday, in fact, I watched as it happened.

A man in his forties was found dead in a port-a-potty by the entrance to the men's side of The Road Home. 

I was told that this man's name was Gino. I was told that he had very recently been released from jail. I was told he had a drug use problem. I was told he had lived on the streets of Salt Lake City for a long time.

I don't think I knew or ever met Gino, but I would not want my worst enemy to die like Gino died.

I think we should all hang our heads in shame that this can happen in our city, our state, and The United States of America.

At last year's Homeless Candlelight Vigil, we honored 70-80 people who died on the streets of our city. Although this was fewer than last year, it is still too many. This year, I am aware of five people, including Gino, who have already died homeless and alone right here in SLC. ONE is too many. Gino is too many.

Rest in peace, Gino. I am sorry that we did not do enough to help you, our brother.

Stay clean and stay alive ---RGR

PS: I was unable to find anything in our newspapers about this, nor did I hear anything on today's news so far. 

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Related Links: 

Operation Safe Winter Video 

Bill Moyers: How Many Homeless People Will Freeze to Death This Winter?