November 9, 2026 - Utah Office of Homeless Services hosts Central Utah Summit as state and local leaders align on Utah’s homeless response/li>

Press Release
November 9, 2026

Utah Office of Homeless Services hosts Central Utah Summit as state and local leaders align on Utah's homeless response

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Office of Homeless Services (OHS) hosted the Central Utah Homelessness Summit Thursday at the University of Utah, bringing together more than 350 elected officials, service providers, first responders and community partners. The summit provided an opportunity to share perspectives, strengthen partnerships and coordinate efforts to address homelessness. Gov. Spencer J. Cox delivered the keynote address, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner shared a special video message. The gathering reinforced the importance of collaboration across the public and private sectors to advance Utah's efforts.

"We are proud of Utah's historic investments in shelter, housing, public safety and treatment" said Gov. Cox. "Utah's service providers are proving that recovery and healing are possible. When local, state, and federal partners work toward the same goals, Utah can continue to lead the nation in helping people move from crisis to self-reliance."

The Central Utah Summit was the last of three regional summits OHS hosted this fall, replacing a single statewide conference. The Southern Utah Summit was held Sept. 25 in St. George and the Northern Utah Summit was held Oct. 14 in Logan.

"Homelessness looks different in every community, and so do the solutions," said State Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy. "Our regional summits brought state leaders, local officials and providers into the same room to share what's working and build the partnerships that will carry this work forward. Our office is committed to leading with investment, data and opportunity, alongside the communities we serve."

Following the keynotes, HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development Ronnie Kurtz joined Senator Cal Musselman and Representative Katy Hall for a mainstage panel on federal, state and local leadership in Utah's homeless response.

Attendees then chose from three concurrent breakout sessions. Topics included the Utah Department of Corrections' ARCH program, improving mental health response, youth homelessness, public safety, street medicine, and The Other Side Village.

"We know that no one organization can solve homelessness alone." said Michelle Flynn, CEO of The Road Home. "By sharing what we're learning, strengthening partnerships and aligning our efforts, we can build a more coordinated response that helps people move from crisis to stability. The Homelessness Summit brought together leaders and partners from across the state to strengthen collaboration and advance that shared goal."

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The Utah Office of Homeless Services leads Utah's homeless response by identifying pathways to human dignity through investment, data and opportunity.