Utahns' contributions to the state homeless fund through a checkoff on state income-tax forms are down about 25 percent, with one-third of the income tax forms processed.
As of last week, 10,415 people had contributed $82,815 with 36 percent of returns completed."I guess this shows that this is not a viable long-term way of financing crucial services for the population most in trouble in our state. This is too big a problem for the private sector, as generous as it is," said Steve Erickson, Utah Issues specialist on homeless issues. "Federal funds have to be available if we want to find solutions."
While fewer people seem to be contributing to the fund, the per-person average contribution is larger. Last year the average donation was about $5. So far this year, the average contribution for each return that designates the checkoff is $7.95.
The amount contributed to the Homeless Trust Fund through the checkoff has shrunk a little each year and the trend is expected to be the same for 1991 returns.
The Homeless Trust Fund monies are distributed by the State Homeless Coordinating Committee. At least 20 percent of the money goes to provide services to homeless people in rural areas of the state. Past projects have provided food, shelter and medical care through various programs statewide.