Transcript

Emma: Hello and welcome back to News For U, I’m your host and producer, Emma Ratkovic, and in today’s podcast episode, Salt Lake County’s Associate Deputy Mayor Katherine Fife will join me in discussing Code Blue events. Hi, Katherine, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast today. 

Katherine: Thank you so much for having me. 

Emma: Do you first want to introduce yourself and explain your role within Salt Lake County?

Katherine: Sure, I’d be happy to. I am associate deputy mayor here for Salt Lake County and Mayor Jenny Wilson’s office and part of the portfolio that I work with here at the county includes county services, so anything that really humans interact with or receive services from Salt Lake County. So everything from our recreation centers, our senior centers, our libraries, the health department, criminal justice services and homelessness.

Emma: And what exactly is a Code Blue event?

Katherine: So Code Blue, it’s a period of time that is activated by the state of Utah when the weather feels like 18 degrees in Salt Lake County. Well, it’s actually statewide, but we’re really just talking about here in Salt Lake County today. So if, per the National Weather Service, it feels like 18 and there’s a wind chill for more than two hours, then a Code Blue is activated. And what that means is there’s additional resources, specifically, and most importantly, additional shelter beds for people who don’t have anywhere to sleep and are outside and need a warm place on those very, very cold winter nights.

Emma: So when does the season start and end for Code Blue events? 

Katherine: Yeah. So this was all defined during, actually, two legislative sessions ago. Our legislators put this into effect. And there is a code. It’s Utah Code 35A-16-703, I’m sure that rolls off the tongue and everybody knows about it … no. But that that legislation indicates a time period of Oct. 15 through April 30 is when a Code Blue could be activated. So when that weather threshold hits, then an alert and a Code Blue will be activated. 

Emma: Can you elaborate on what led to the 2023 state law concerning Code Blue alerts? 

Katherine: The thought about Code Blue or needing more shelter beds in the winter has been a conversation that’s been happening for a long time, but we have over the last few years seen an increase of individuals experiencing homelessness, and specifically those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. So there’s just been a concern, both at the legislative level, as well as by providers and advocates who were really, really concerned about the well being and safety of individuals who didn’t have anywhere to sleep. I mean, our winters are pretty harsh here, so really, this need for more opportunities for people to get out of the cold came about. This isn’t just unique to Utah. A lot of states, a lot of places do something very similar. Maybe they call it Code Blue, maybe something a little bit different. But yeah, when it’s really cold, this is an opening or a welcoming of additional resources to ensure the safety and well being of individuals. And I think just with increase of numbers, the increase of need for shelter beds, everyone said, we’ve got to do something. And so the legislature, they acted. And last year, Salt Lake County was the only county to enact a Code Blue, so Salt Lake County is a county of the first class. This year applies to counties of the first, second, third and fourth class — the first class, we’re the only ones, and it’s a population of a million or more. And then there’s a breakdown of population for each of the other counties. We have 20 counties that are included in Code Blue this year per our state legislation. We have an advantage this year at Salt Lake County because we learned a lot from the first year. And so there were changes made to legislation based upon what we experienced last year. The biggest change from last year to this year is the temperature threshold. So last year, a Code Blue was activated when it was 15 degrees, when it felt like 15 degrees. And there were some cold nights that, you know, probably should have been a Code Blue, so it was raised to 18 degrees this year.

Emma: So given a Code Blue event, what measures to Salt Lake County implement, like, what actions do they take?

Katherine: Yeah, so there’s several different actions that can be taken. One important thing is that, you know, zoning laws or use permits of buildings are loosened so buildings can be used for sleeping where they wouldn’t normally be able to be used for sleeping. So there’s a lot more opportunity for government, private institutions and others to open facilities and have them used on a temporary basis during a Code Blue event for people to sleep. And that’s, I think, the biggest thing. So Code Blue is part of a larger plan that brings more shelter beds online during the winter. So in Salt Lake County, and this is also per legislation, we’re required to come up with a winter plan. And we work with our local mayors, and it’s our council of governments to come up with a plan. And we also work with Salt Lake Valley Coalition to End Homelessness. These are our experts on providing services and housing and supports to those experiencing homelessness. They really determine the need for the beds during the winter, and then a plan is put together over the summer, and it’s submitted to the state Aug. 1. And so that’s what happened this year. Code Blue beds were a part of it. So this year, from that date that we talked about, Oct. 15 through April 30, there are just under 1,000 beds that are able to come online during those months, many of those are coming online and they’re on every day. So it’s 250 of those that are Code Blue beds. So those come on on the coldest nights, and the rest of them are open now. So we do have more shelter beds available for individuals this year than ever before, and certainly on a Code Blue night, we’ll have more beds available than ever before for people who are looking for warmth. It’s really great. I mean, we know that everyone deserves to sleep in a safe, warm environment and to be able to work with so many partners who are committed to making that happen and are so caring … it is really inspiring. And, yeah, it’s important, and it’s really great that we have this opportunity and resource for those who need it. 

Emma: So has any data shown like a reduced risk of cold-related injuries or fatalities among the unsheltered population? 

Katherine: That’s a super great question, and the answer is not yet. Of interest, the state, the Department of Health and Human Services just released a report in August that looked at causes of death, mortality rates among those experiencing homelessness during 2023 so that would have been the very beginning of when our very first Code Blue and winter planning started, because it would have started in October, so two and a half months that that would have been included, but we don’t understand all of the impacts, especially of Code Blue when it got really cold, and if those beds really increased the safety and well being of individuals. Anecdotally, and having really worked closely through last winter, I know we saved lives. I know we did. I know people were better off, and I would, I really hope … I mean, I know we’re going to see some data soon, because that 2023 report was released in August, so we’ll anticipate a report that will show us the data coming in 2025 and then also we’ll be able to compare the data year over year to see really what the impacts are making, especially as we make improvements, like the temperature threshold that we’re doing this year. But I feel it in my heart and anecdotally, yeah, I know that that people were saved. Absolutely, yeah, and we’ll soon have the data to show it. But we’ll also … I think that there’s going to be ways to look at historically, too, the number of like winter-based injuries or frostbite. We work with some of our healthcare providers who … it would be really interesting to see if the number of frostbite cases decreased since Code Blue has been activated, so we’ll certainly look into that. And I think that’s a really, really great question. 

Emma: So has Salt Lake County community members expressed any opposition following the law, just because I know in Davis County there’s been a little bit of pushback. So has Salt Lake County had any?

Katherine: You know, I’m knocking on wood! No, I actually don’t need to knock on wood because the answer is no. We have had very generous community members who have said, “What can we do to help?” We’ve had providers open their buildings. Churches open their buildings. We have community members saying, “Can I volunteer? Can I help make donations? Can I bring in food?” We have such a generous community who has really opened their arms to helping, especially during Code Blue nights, and making sure that we have resources on on the coldest nights. So yes, our community has stepped up and continues to show how generous and thoughtful we are, especially for those in need.

Emma: How can Salt Lake County residents experiencing homelessness access resources for Code Blue events? 

Katherine: A couple of ways. One is through our current service providers. So if an individual is looking for shelter bed, the best thing to do is to that. Well, there’s two things to do. One is, if they have a phone and they can call a number, we call it our nines number, the number people can call if they’re seeking shelter, and that by calling that line, people can know if a Code Blue is activated, and if so, where additional shelter beds are. We have a “no wrong door” approach, so they can go to a shelter, but best to go to our Weigand Day Center that is in downtown Salt Lake. Not only can people get connected with beds there, they can also get a warm meal. They can get other resources, food, restroom, showers. So we want to make sure people are connected with services and resources, and so especially going to the Weigand Center can help with that. We do have transportation as well. So we have a shuttle that goes from the Weigand center to our overflow shelter beds that are just available even on non-Code Blue nights. But also we’ll have transportation from the Weigand Center to our Code Blue facilities on Code Blue nights. So there’s a way for people to get there. So if folks know anybody who’s seeking shelter and it’s cold, you know, really letting them know that the easiest access to shelter is through the Weigand Center. That phone number is a great way to help. There’s also information on the website. There’s flyers. We do ask, and we have help from people who conduct street outreach or other service providers share the word too, but we want to make sure the word gets out and people know that the resources are available.

Emma: How does Salt Lake County intend to address the homelessness crisis through the Code Blue alert system? 

Katherine: Yeah. So we Salt Lake County really helped to support putting the whole plan together. And then once the plan was submitted and accepted, and we had it all funded — you know, partnership with the state and other municipalities and our private nonprofit partners — we have continued to meet with them weekly to work out all of the logistical coordination of that. So it’s great to have a plan, but you have to execute it. And so we just help to convene those conversations, work through any issues, make sure folks are ready, that they have what they need. And then Salt Lake County helps with the communication. So we help get the word out through our website as well and in other ways. And we just want to make sure that that there’s this strong coordination between everyone. And then if there are needs, or issues that are bubble up or need to be addressed, then we certainly want to help with that as well. But let me get to kind of like a bigger picture. I mean, Code Blue is great. To have 250 beds on a on a cold night is great. To have 982 beds during the winter months is great, but that is a clear demonstration that we need more year-round shelter beds. Now the state of Utah is working on that. So Salt Lake County is a partner and supporting and educating, you know, informing those efforts to bring additional shelter beds online year round. We would love to not have to just say they’re only on the coldest nights. We want people to have access to shelter whenever they need it, in the summer, all year round. And so being a partner in that effort is what we what we really want to do at Salt Lake County as well. In addition, we have our own areas of authority and responsibility when it comes to addressing issues that are related to homelessness. Salt Lake County has put together a plan. It’s the Human Services, Homelessness and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan, and it’s a five year plan to bring on resources that are really designed to help individuals who may be experiencing homelessness, but also who may be interacting with the criminal justice system, as well as maybe facing behavioral health issues. There’s kind of this intersection, especially between all three of those, this sub population, or population that needs more intense resources. Maybe some things are falling through the cracks. So Salt Lake County, because we are the behavioral health authority and we have the Salt Lake County Jail, and we’re huge partner in addressing homelessness, we wanted to look in and create ways that we can help address the issue. So part of that plan includes bringing on a goal of bringing on 1,000 additional housing units in the next five years for that population. We know that it’s great to keep people off the streets for one night. It’s great to make sure that we have a plan through our coldest nights of the winter, but the end goal and the solution to homelessness is housing. And we want to do everything that we can to support our other partners who are also working on housing, but we want to bring on additional units to make sure that there’s long term success and people can get off the streets and not return. So that’s what we’re working on here. And we see Code Blue and shelter as a great step to more longer term solutions. We have so many great providers and small grassroots organizations in Salt Lake County that every day, regardless of time, regardless of holidays, they are helping individuals providing the resources that they need, but also trying to get them on a long term road to success. And so Salt Lake County, we we do what we can within our purview. But we also want to uplift and celebrate the wonderful expertise and efforts that happen at day in, day out, 24 hours a day by our incredible nonprofit partners in the community and also our local municipalities who are bringing solutions online. Like in the recent year, Sandy City brought on in partnership with our providers, a facility that is for seniors who are aging and those who are medically vulnerable, who the shelters or the streets are not a good place for them to be, and we want to make sure we’re supporting them in the right way. So it’s really great to see conversations expanding to other municipalities and more nonprofits and groups that are wanting to get involved and be a part of the solution, and we here at Salt Lake County are at the table to help make those connections support in the way that we can to make sure that everyone has what they need in order to move these solutions forward for those who are in need.

Emma: Do you have any final thoughts or comments? 

Katherine: I appreciate folks being curious about this and wanting to know more. And the big thing that we get asked all the time is, well, how can I help? So I would just encourage folks to help spread the word. You know, if you see somebody in need, let them know that there’s resources available. Have conversations, people who unhoused are humans just like you and I, and just smile and wishing them well is a great thing to do. Our Code Blue sites are rely on volunteers to help make it happen and get through the winter. So there are volunteer opportunities for folks, if they want to help through the night. We also have here at Salt Lake County, we run — it’s called an Annual Point-in-Time Count, which is an event where we have volunteers help us go and interact with individuals experiencing homelessness to better understand their needs and better understand what the landscape of homelessness is here in Salt Lake County. So that will be in January. And we welcome all volunteers. And it’s a great [way] just to check your assumptions about homelessness, or to get to really, in a supported and structured way, interact with those who are experiencing homelessness. It can be a very powerful moment and opportunity for individuals who care but just haven’t known, like, “how do I get involved?” So I just present those opportunities for people to get involved. And continue to educate yourself on on all of the great efforts that are happening in our community to help those in need. Part of Salt Lake County’s action plan is to make sure that we’re looking at ways to have a workforce to be able to support all of these opportunities in our community. We applaud students who want to go into careers that are helpers, social work, sociology, you know anything that — public policy — [are] things that really make a difference in our communities. So just encourage or applaud any students at the U and beyond, who are really working to invest in careers but also making a difference in the community. And just want to yeah, celebrate uplift, and congratulations to the U of U for growing the opportunities to bring professionals in these fields to our community.

Emma: Well, thank you so much for joining me on this episode of News For U.

Katherine: Thank you so much for having me and stay warm. 

Emma: I’m your host and producer, Emma Ratkovic, thank you for tuning in to this episode of News For U. Stay tuned for future episodes.

Host & Producer: Emma Ratkovic — [email protected]  | @eratkovic_news