City Guide 2023 | City Guide | Salt Lake City Weekly

City Guide 2023 

City Weekly’s 19th annual celebration of all things SLC

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click to enlarge “Out of the Blue“ whale sculpture by Stephen Kesler located on a roundabout in the  Salt Lake 9th & 9th neighborhood. - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • “Out of the Blue“ whale sculpture by Stephen Kesler located on a roundabout in the Salt Lake 9th & 9th neighborhood.

Explorer’s Guide
Where to go when you want to ....

People-Watch
Salt Lake City doesn’t have a Central Park, Times Square or Grand Central Station like in the Big Apple. But it does have its own hip and laid-back gathering spots. On a sunny Sunday morning, for instance, downtowners might bring a coffee, croissant and a fresh copy of The New York Times to a picnic table at Liberty Park (600 E. 900 South, SLC, slc.gov/parks/park-division/liberty-park) and take in the sights of the city’s oldest public park. Its 110 acres provides shade trees, flowers, lakes, playgrounds, rides, paddleboats and the expansive Tracy Aviary and historic Chase Museum. Fitness lovers flock to the walking and jogging trails as well as the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. On Sunday afternoons, you can catch the beat of a drum circle and, throughout the seasons, you’ll find festivals, races and car shows.

Two blocks east from Liberty Park is the walkable 9th and 9th neighborhood (900 E. 900 South, SLC), now bookended by a life-size breeching whale sculpture in rainbow colors. Here, the chic shops, eclectic eateries and a neighborhood bar beckon downtowners and visitors alike, while the many sidewalk tables offer a great way to see and be seen.

Meanwhile, the city’s malls, including the posh City Creek Center (50 S. Main, SLC, 801-521-2012, shopcitycreekcenter.com) and historic Trolley Square (602 E. 500 South, SLC, 801-521-9877, trolleysquare.com) buzz with shoppers, diners and fashionistas. The Gateway (400 W. 200 South, SLC, 801-456-0000, atthegateway.com) has established itself as a dining and entertainment hub, known for hosting local events, concerts and festivals.

To really connect with your fellow city dwellers, wake up early on Saturday mornings for the weekly Downtown Farmers Market (Pioneer Park, 300 W. 300 South, SLC, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or attend festivals that speak to your interests, such as the Utah Arts Festival, the Greek Festival, the Utah State Fair and even City Weekly’s own Utah Beer Festival (Aug. 19-20). And bars like Gracie’s (326 S. West Temple, SLC, 801-819-7565, graciesslc.com) and Whiskey Street (323 S. Main, SLC, 801-433-1371, whiskeystreet.com) were designed for the ultimate in people watching.
— By Jerre Wroble

Cathedral of the Madeleine - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • Cathedral of the Madeleine

Seek Peace and Calm
For too long, downtown Salt Lake has had too much “space” on its hands. We had very few tall buildings (we dare not call them skyscrapers). We had a ton of vacant lots and surface parking lots. The streets were built extra wide so that a team of oxen pulling a wagon could turn around “with room to spare.” Not only was there lots of open space downtown, but the humans pretty much cleared out after work hours. Because we don’t live “on top of each other,” like in other metro cities, you might say that we’re a peculiarly peaceful people.

But that’s changing. Office towers and apartment buildings are springing up like daisies all over downtown and along transit lines throughout the Salt Lake Valley. High-density is the new mantra. More people live, work and play in the Salt Lake Valley than ever before. We’re booming. It’s good that Salt Lake is coming of age but maybe the tradeoff is the peace and ease of life? Fear not, here is a small list of quiet refuges, and there are many more out there:

Shuuush! Most people will say the public libraries of Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County are the No. 1 indoor spaces to restore your calm. In particular, the Main Library downtown (210 E. 400 South, SLC, 801-524-8200, slcpl.org/main-library). It’s open seven days a week, and it not only offers quiet nooks and crannies where you can work, read and ponder, but also beautiful views within and outside an architecturally unique building. And the reading material can’t be beat.

But sometimes, only a church with beautiful stained-glass windows can provide the comfort and peace an overstimulated soul needs. The Cathedral of the Madeleine (331 E. South Temple, SLC, 801-328-8941, utcotm.org) is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a busy schedule for mass, confession, vesper and benediction, rosaries, weddings, baptisms, funerals and more. Built in 1909, the cathedral, with its Neo-Romanesque exterior (think gargoyles), is the only one in the U.S. under the patronage of St. Mary Magdalene. No, you don’t have to be Catholic to step inside, but do be respectful of any church services that may be taking place. And feel free to donate to the church while you’re there.

International Peace Gardens at Jordan Park - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • International Peace Gardens at Jordan Park

When you need peace, why not go to a park with “peace” in its name? The International Peace Gardens (801-938-5326, internationalpeacegardens.org) is located along the Jordan River within Jordan Park (900 West and 1000 South, SLC). The garden is one of only two peace gardens in the U.S. To date, local members of 28 countries have designed and landscaped gardens that represent their cultural heritage. Due to recent vandalism at the gardens, some displays are not as complete as they once were. But you can still catch the good vibes of those who’ve worked hard to “give peace a chance.”

To have your soul stirred by a world-class choir at no cost, wake up early on Sunday morning and head down to Temple Square (50 N. Temple, SLC, 801-240-8945), to catch Music and the Spoken Word courtesy of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Visit thetabernaclechoir.org to confirm location of performance, either at the Conference Center or the Tabernacle. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and you should be seated by 9:15 a.m. for the 9:30 a.m. worldwide broadcast.

For those who can only find peace and calm in nature, read on.
—By Jerre Wroble

Hike Nearby Mountain Trails
Lambs Canyon
Escape SLC’s concrete jungle to a dense canopy of close-standing aspen and pines on this secluded trail off Parleys Canyon The first mile is moderate, but then the trail gets steeper as switchbacks raise you from lush ferns and wildflowers to a more open forest of evergreens. On your left is a bubbling stream that you hear, but rarely see and never cross. The trail is shaded most of the day, but still gets hot by noon on most summer days. It’s 2 miles to the crest of Mill Creek ridge at 8,115 feet—a perfect spot for lunch-before retracing your steps back to the trailhead for a 4-mile round-trip. Total elevation gain is 1,500 feet. To access Lambs Canyon, take exit 137 on I-80 and follow East Lambs Canyon Road 1½ miles south to the trailhead parking. Roads open and trail accessible mid-June to early November. No dogs allowed.

Grandeur Peak
For adventure close to home, hike to the summit of this 8,299-foot mountain with expansive views of the Salt Lake Valley—and maybe even your neighborhood—far below. Challenging but doable for most weekend hikers, the most popular route starts just inside Mill Creek Canyon. The 5.9-mile out-and-back trail gains over 2,300 feet in meandering switchbacks as it circles a broad valley. As the trail tops out on the Mill Creek crest, take a rest and gaze down into Parleys Canyon to the north. The final stretch swings around the south side of the summit before reaching the top where flat rocks make for a well-earned lunch stop. Spring and fall are the best times to hike this peak, because summer sun can bake the last few unshaded miles. Winter hikers should bring spikes and trekking poles, especially for the final push over bare rock below the summit. The Grandeur Peak trail begins at the north end of the Church Fork picnic area, 3.2 miles from the mouth of Mill Creek Canyon. If the limited parking at the trailhead is full, find overflow spots along the road, which adds 0.4 miles to the total trip. Mill Creek Canyon requires a $5 day-use fee or $50 annual pass. Dogs are welcome, but they must be leashed on even days.
—By Jason Stevenson

Sundance Stables - COURTESY PHOTO
  • Courtesy Photo
  • Sundance Stables

Clippity-Clop Down a Trail
In 1969, American actor Robert Redford bought the Wasatch mountain forest land that would become Sundance Mountain Resort. Redford envisioned a space where art, community and natural preservation would come together. He held true to his vision to create a unique environment for outdoor adventurers and Sundance Institute filmmakers. In 2020, Redford sold the resort to new owners who seem to share his vision. Though he may no longer be the resort’s figurehead, I can happily report that Redford’s spirit lives on at Sundance Stables.

Whether for a first-time rider or a distinguished equestrian, Sundance Stables has captivating options. Open to the public are four distinct and truly unforgettable horseback trail experiences. Limited to parties no larger than six, a serene and personal getaway is promised, with private tours also offered. The Elk Meadows trail is best suited for newer riders; vibrant yellow and green aspen groves lead into alpine meadows, creating the perfect environment for riders seeking something soothing and approachable.

Most popular, the Stewart Falls ride brings you through the Wasatch mountains with spectacular views of waterfalls, mountain faces and dense forests. Make conversation with your cowboy guides or listen to the clopping hooves of your newest companion. Want to get out of the heat? Look into the Sunset Ride. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the evening ride is an opportunity to embrace cool gusts of mountain air and a more nocturnal community of forest critters. The “Yoga and Horseback” experience is a spiritual getaway designed to ease riders into a peaceful state of mind and an appreciation for life.

If you are visiting for a weekend or are fortunate to live within driving distance of Provo, do yourself and your family a favor and book a ride at
Sundance Mountain Resort, 8841 N. Alpine Loop Road, Sundance, 435-654-1655,
sundanceresort.com
— By Caleb Daniel

Walk Your Dog Off-Leash
In Salt Lake City—like many urban areas—there are more households with pets than there are households with children. We love our dogs here, and we’ve got some great places to take them.

For traditional city-style dog parks, check out Herman Franks Park (1371 S. 700 East, SLC, 801-972-7800, slc.gov/parks/parks-division/herman-franks-park) on the east side, Pioneer Park (350 S. 300 West, SLC, slc.gov/parks/parks-division/pioneer-park) downtown and Cottonwood Park (300 North 1645 West, SLC, slc.gov/parks/parks-division/cottonwood-park) out west. Those are the main, fully fenced dog parks in the city’s portfolio, but smaller off-leash areas exist—both formally and informally—at parks like Fairmont, Rotary Glen, Jordan and many others (visit slc.gov/parks/salt-lake-city-off-leash-dog-areas for more information).

For a more rugged experience, explore the multiple acres of off-leash area at Parley’s Historic Nature Park (often mistakenly called Tanner Park) (2740 S. 2700 East, SLC, slc.gov/parks/parks-division/parleys-historic-nature-park/)—with popular stream access points perfect for cooling off hot paws—or upper Mill Creek Canyon, where dogs and their human companions are permitted to hike leash-free on odd-numbered days (“Odd Dogs” in case you forget).

Once your furbaby is back on their leash, use routes like the Parleys Trail (S-Line), the Jordan River Parkway Trail, the 9-Line Trail and the McClelland Trail to get around the city.
—By Benjamin Wood

Bask in the Setting Sun
Salt Lake City has one of the most beautiful backdrops of any city in the country. Majestic mountains and a beautiful cityscape lend themselves perfectly to sunset watching at scenic locations throughout the valley.

Undoubtedly, the best way to catch the daily dying of the light is heading up the mountains—but if you aren’t in the mood for an hours-long trek up Mount Olympus, the best bet is to hike the short, well-worn path to either Ensign Peak, high above the Capitol, or Jack’s Mailbox Peak near the iconic H-rock overlooking Highland High School on the east bench.

If you are averse to a little exercise, don’t fret! You can still catch some beautiful views from the comfort of your car.

The most popular spots are up in the Avenues, around 11th Avenue Park, particularly looking west on Chandler Drive, but if you are wanting something a little less trafficked, then up on Benchmark Drive on the east side of the city, the silhouette of downtown is framed stunningly.

Of course, there are some equally impressive places to catch those fading rays at lower elevation. Some of the clearest views are out west where you can not only catch the sunset but also SLC’s famed alpenglow—the occasional purple-ish hue of the mountains that occurs as the sun drops near the horizon. Despite the nearby power plant, one of my favorite spots is on the Archie and Lois Archuleta Bridge (1206 W. 200 South, SLC) in Poplar Grove, which you can access from the Jordan River Trail near North Temple.

Living in SLC, you are never too far away from awe-inspiring views even while you are living your day-to-day life—whether it be popping out of a store, enjoying a meal on a patio or just hanging out in your backyard.
—By Bryant Heath

Visit Salt Lake Oddities
Salt Lake City boasts some outstanding attractions, to be sure. Downtown, Temple Square is steeped in history; the Natural History Museum of Utah near the University of Utah is spectacular for its exhibits and views; and nearby Hogle Zoo invites you to see animal species from all corners of the earth. But if you’re looking for something unsung and a little different, here are 10 of my favorite curiosities and random sightings.

Summum Pyramid - COURTESY PHOTO
  • Courtesy Photo
  • Summum Pyramid

Summum Pyramid—Located on a side street up against Interstate 15, this 26-foot-tall pyramid serves as a sanctuary and temple for a rather peculiar religious group, the Summums. The history and the stories about this sect—mummification! wine making! Supreme Court battles!—are just as eccentric as the beliefs.
707 W. Genesee Ave., SLC, 801-355-0137,
summum.us

Utah Women 2020 Mural - TONY ANDERSON
  • Tony Anderson
  • Utah Women 2020 Mural

Utah Women 2020 Mural—The mural scene in Salt Lake is exploding, with large-scale street art appearing on brick building exteriors and garage doors all over the valley. Be sure and catch this massive work directed by artists Jann Haworth and Alex Johnstone on the east side of Dinwoodey Building downtown. It features more than 250 local trailblazing female figures, both past and present. An added bonus, turning to the south, you get a glimpse of Utah Jazz basketball history in cartoon-form, courtesy of artist Trent Call.
37 W. 100 South, SLC,
womensmural.com

Utah Jazz Mural by Trent Call - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • Utah Jazz Mural by Trent Call

Victim of the Beast Gravestone—Born in 1881, died in 1958, Lilly E. Gray’s grave marker bears this creepy inscription: “A Victim of the Beast 666.” Unsettling, much? The story that’s been pieced together by her relatives isn’t quite as macabre: Lilly died of natural causes, and the inscription was the work of her strange second husband. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a visit.
Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N St., Plot X, Block 1, Lot 169, Grave 4 East, SLC,
slc.gov/parks/city-cemetery

Gallivan Center Sundial—Gallivan Center is home to artist Kazuo Matsubayashi’s impressive sculpture-sundial entitled “Asteroid Landed Softly.” This piece, installed in 1993, is chalk-full of symbolism, and it’s unique among sundials as it uses a light gnomon (versus the more popular shadow gnomon) to indicate various cycles of time. This incredibly layered sculpture will bring new insights with each visit.
201 S. Main, SLC, 801-535-6110,
thegallivancenter.com

Gilgal Sculpture Garden—The oddest of Salt Lake City parks, Gilgal is a hidden treasure tucked behind houses and businesses in the east central neighborhood. The sculpture garden was the brainchild of Thomas Battersby Child Jr., and the pieces exhibited are just as interesting as the history. “The Sphinx”—which depicts a mash-up of a bust of Joseph Smith with the body from the classic Egyptian statue—is the most well known of the 12 sculptures, but there are others that are equally head-turning.
749 E. 500 South, SLC, 801-972-7860,
gilgalgarden.org

Labyrinth—Just outside the northeast corner of the U of U’s Carolyn Tanner Irish Humanities Building is a fairly impressive labyrinth with a clovered center—all are welcome to meander around in it. If you want more puzzles to solve, look for other labyrinths scattered throughout the city, such as the one off the Jordan River Parkway Trail.
University of Utah, 215 Central Campus Drive, SLC

Fun Time Kidz Kare—A building that has left its mark in internet infamy, Fun Time Kidz Kare has been the subject of numerous online conspiracy theories. It seems to have been just a normal daycare, but the oddly designed exterior and seeming few number of kids observed at the center have given rise to strange tales—not to mention merchandise! (etsy.com/shop/HouseofCattitude). As of press time, the building was being painted and the grounds landscaped, so the business may be undergoing changes.
1248 S. 300 East, SLC

click to enlarge Lone Cedar Tree Monument - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • Lone Cedar Tree Monument

Jazz Sculpture—Forget Stockton and Malone, nothing says Utah Jazz basketball like the Roma-ruin-like abstract sculpture on the north side of the Vivint Arena. This steel triad—titled “An Urban Allegory” by artist Neil Hadlock—harkens back to the time when the arena was first known as the Delta Center in the early 1990s. It represents the rebuilding of Salt Lake’s west side (the two columns) and celebrating athletic achievements (the torso).
301 S. West Temple, SLC,
saltlakepublicart.org/art/an-urban-allegory-63

Lone Cedar Tree—As the legend goes, when the pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, the area was bereft of trees with the exception of a lone cedar. The settlers took it as a divine sign to settle here. A monument was erected by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers in 1933 to commemorate this tree and, allegedly, it contained a slice of the original. After vandalism, the monument is a shell of its former self, leaving just a stone pedestal housed beneath an underwhelming gazebo.
600 East between 300 South and 400 South, SLC.

Steenblik Park Dairy Cats - DEREK CARLISLE
  • Derek Carlisle
  • Steenblik Park Dairy Cats

Steenblik Park Dairy Cats—Residents of Rose Park—especially those with overly protective dogs—are most familiar with the large bronze dairy cat statues located at the Joseph F. Steenblik pocket park. These four felines were created by sculptor Day Christensen as a nod to the Steenblik Dairy that once operated there in the early
1900s. 1000 W. 800 North, SLC,
saltlakepublicart.org/art/dairy-cats-25
—By Bryant Heath

Buy Locally Designed Clothes
Lonely Ghost’s mission is counterpoint to its own name: Its clothing is designed to promote the human connection. Three and a half years ago, Bronson Christensen and Indy Blue Severe combined their prowess to create something unique, inclusive and full of heart. The key phrase “I love you—say it back” (as seen on the corner of 800 East and 800 South in Salt Lake) underscores every design of their cutting-edge streetwear. LG maintains that it’s cool to care, and hundreds of thousands social media followers agree.

”It’s more than just clothes,” Christensen says. The pair are not solely creating affordable, fresh fashion, but rather a fresh way of conducting themselves in a phone-obsessed world. Even with their powerful social media presence, LG encourages intimate, IRL interactions. The book club is the most recent example of how the LG team fosters human-to-human interaction, but it has always been the company’s purpose. The Lonely Ghost Pen Pal Club was established in 2020 during the height of isolation. More than 4,000 participants have established close relationships from all over the planet, spanning from Egypt and Turkey to Salt Lake City with fresh entries every day.

Etched into the walls at The Shops at Riverwoods in Provo is Ghost Grocery (4801 N. University Ave. Ste. 650, Provo, 385-221-3629). Dressed as a small grocery store, Lonely Ghost has now established their first retail space: a worldwide attraction, and a head scratch for some visitors looking for name-brand cereal. This experiential shop combines the attraction of a ‘60s funhouse with LG’s brand of intoxicating attire. Checkered floors, milk cartons, SpaghettiOs and photo albums filled with Polaroids will make you forget that you’re in a clothing store and remind you that we’re in a completely new era of fashion—an era where friendship matters.
lonelyghost.co
—By Caleb Daniel

Blaq Void dance party - COURTESY PHOTO
  • Courtesy Photo
  • Blaq Void dance party

Find an Underground Rave/Dance Party
Blaq Void throws Utah’s biggest parties, hands down. Finding the party is where things get trickier. Word of mouth between fellow nightlife enthusiasts is the most common vessel for discovering Blaq Void. Venues don’t promote Blaq Void’s parties, as they’re never held in a real venue to begin with. Blaq Void’s Instagram and website announce their next event a week or two in advance. Day of, they will announce a code word to text their phone number for the address and tickets.

Blaq Void’s events live in the realm of raves, featuring innovative light shows, inspired DJ sets, all genres of dance, and most importantly, a crowd of 450+. These raves are found in locations as mysterious as the entity itself. Industrial kitchens, boats, basements and rooftops join warehouses as acceptable places for the 4 a.m. functions. Themes have also made appearances, with the most recent being a Rage Cage party, where the DJs are caged in the middle of the dance floor, while the biggest game by the same name you’ve ever seen commences on the peripheral.

The Blaq Void’s “cult” is mysterious. Since the first event four years ago, a sense of “other” is shared among the community, with dozens of dedicated members proudly inking themselves with the Blaq Void’s iconic logo. If the Salt Lake City scene hasn’t scratched your itch of dancing in unique environments to the strongest up-and-coming DJs, text “Void” at 435-344-4495 to join the cult.
—By Caleb Daniel

Get Medical/Mental Health Care When Uninsured
The Children’s Center of Utah
When the kids aren’t all right, the Children’s Center Utah can provide low-cost, trauma-informed mental health therapy for infants to preschoolers (ages 0-6). Housed in the historic Oquirrh School building a block northeast from the SLC Main Library, the center provides in-person and telemedicine visits that can include parents, caregivers, and siblings in diagnosis and treatment plans. Most insurance plans are accepted, while charitable donations help subsidize treatments for families needing financial help.
350 S. 400 East, SLC, 801-582-5534,
childrenscenterutah.org

Community Health Centers Inc.
From broken bones to pregnancy care, SLC’s three community health clinics provide comprehensive primary care, dental services and mental health support to thousands of city residents each year. Unlike a regular doctor’s office, their clinics offer services priced on a sliding-scale based on patients’ income. Located downtown (Central City), on the west side (Neighborhood Clinic), and in Rose Park (Stephen D. Ratcliff Clinic), CHC’s clinics are always accepting new patients
Multiple locations,
chc-ut.org

Take Care Utah
If you’re tired of self-paying for medical bills, get insured with Take Care Utah. Since 2012, this nonprofit has helped tens of thousands of Utahns enroll in Medicaid and subsidized private insurance. A trained staff of 30 not only provides free enrollment assistance, but also helps you maximize your new benefits—from selecting providers to accessing free wellness exams. 2369 W. Orton Circle, Ste. 20,
West Valley City, 801-872-6059,
takecareutah.org
—By Jason Stevenson

Planned Parenthood operates four clinics in the Salt Lake Valley. - COURTESY PHOTO
  • Courtesy Photo
  • Planned Parenthood operates four clinics in the Salt Lake Valley.

Seek Family-Planning Services
Planned Parenthood Association of Utah
No one cares about sexual health as deeply as Planned Parenthood, whose four health centers in the metro Salt Lake area provide low-cost, long-lasting birth control, pregnancy testing, STI testing and confidential counseling. They even do vasectomies! Plus, every visit is conducted without judgment or shame, and costs are much lower than at most doctor’s offices. Staffed by trained medical providers, Planned Parenthood’s singular focus on sexual health care means scheduling appointments is quick and efficient.
654 S. 900 East, SLC, 800-230-7526,
plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-utah

Abortion Update
During the recent 2023 session, the Legislature passed, and Gov. Cox signed, HB467, which ends licensing for Utah abortion clinics after May 2, forcing them to close either by year’s end or when their licenses expire—whichever comes first. (Note: At press time, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have filed an injunction against the licensing law.) Still, abortion is currently allowed in Utah (up to 18 weeks of gestation) while a trigger bill that would outlaw most abortions in Utah is challenged in court. Should the Utah abortion ban be upheld by the courts, you can search for providers in nearby states at AbortionFinder.org or check with Planned Parenthood (see listing above) for more options. Psst... the Utah Abortion Fund can provide logistical support for people seeking abortions.

Utah Abortion Fund
With abortion access in Utah threatened (and maybe gone by the time you are reading this), the efforts of the Utah Abortion Fund are more essential than ever. Supported by private donations, the fund provides financial and logistical support for people traveling to and from Utah seeking safe abortion care. Donate now, because the fund often runs out of cash well before the end of each month, causing them to halt assistance. And don’t be surprised if they want to remain secretive—it’s the times we are living in. utabortionfund.org
—By Jason Stevenson

Find Affordable Legal Help
Salt Lake Legal Defender Association
If you’re making one phone call from inside jail, it should be to a public defender at Salt Lake Legal Defender Association. Specializing in criminal cases such as property crimes, assault and even homicide, the SLDA serves indigent (i.e., broke) clients in felony, misdemeanor and some juvenile cases. Some defendants are also appointed public defenders by a court. More than just attorneys, the SLDA office has deep bench of legal assistants, investigators and social service professionals who take a team-based approach to every case. Handling state and municipal charges only, the SLDA operates in Utah’s 3rd District Court, the Salt Lake County Justice Court and the Salt Lake City Justice Court.
801-532-5444,
sllda.com

Utah Legal Services
Because lawyers charge big bucks for every six minutes of work, legal bills can add up fast. That’s why the nonprofit Utah Legal Services has provided low-cost legal assistance since 1976 for non-criminal issues like landlord disputes, protective orders, debt collection and public benefit applications. From answering basic questions to preparing legal documents and representing you in court, ULS’s mission is to “level the playing field” in Utah’s unequal legal arena. Most of their clients earn below 200% of the poverty level, which is $36,000 for a family of two.
960 S. Main, SLC, 801-328-8891
utahlegalservices.org

ACLU of Utah
When the government is after you, the ACLU of Utah can help. This nonprofit legal powerhouse specializes in challenging government overreach—from law enforcement to school boards to local governments—and often wins. And, if they can’t take your case, their responsive intake team will refer you to other legal options in the area.
801-521-9862 ext. 104,
acluutah.org
—By Jason Stevenson

Utah Refugee Goats - COURTESY PHOTO
  • Courtesy Photo
  • Utah Refugee Goats

Do Some Good for Humanity
Utah Refugee Goats
For something completely different, feed a goat. Launched by the International Rescue Committee in 2013 as the East African Refugee Goat Project, the re-named Utah Refugee Goats (URG) owns and manages a herd of 100 goats on an 80-acre ranch located 15 minutes west of Salt Lake City. This project serves the area’s Somali Bantu, Somali Bajuni and Burundi communities. Their goal: generate income to support refugee families, provide culturally appropriate and sustainable meat for SLC residents and maintain traditional practices of caring for livestock in an urban setting. Volunteers assist with feeding, raking and mucking out (if you have to ask, you don’t want to know). URG can also host groups for larger work service projects.
175 S. Main, SLC, 385-352 5380,
refugeegoats.org,
volunteer.samaritan.com/custom/525/organization_details/1467

Liberty Park - TONY ANDERSON
  • Tony Anderson
  • Liberty Park

The INN Between
From its guiding mission—creating a safe and warm hospice for people experiencing homelessness—to its impact—over 100 residents able to die housed instead of homeless, The INN Between is a SLC nonprofit that stands out. After its move to the East Liberty Park neighborhood in 2018 got off to a rocky start due to unfounded complaints, this unique hospice has found a welcome home and lots of neighborhood support. Volunteers can provide companionship to residents or assist with meal prep, housekeeping, organizing supplies and even marketing. Their website also has frequently updated “wishlist” of items they need for their residents such as food, clothing, and cleaning supplies.
1216 E. 1300 South, SLC, 801-410-8314,
tibhospice.org/volunteer

Unsheltered Utah
The sidewalks and back alleys of SLC is where Unsheltered Utah does its work, making contact and providing assistance to our neighbors without stable housing. This group not only raises funds to distribute life-saving supplies like blankets and sleeping bags across the city, but also jumpstarted the “Unsheltered Movie Nights” project with the First United Methodist Church and others. Volunteers can assist with picking up donations, food prep, organizing hygiene kits as well as direct outreach on the street. Screening and training are required.
408-464-1351,
unshelteredutah.org
—By Jason Stevenson

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Jerre Wroble

Jerre Wroble

Bio:
Since 2003, Jerre Wroble has plied her journalism craft at City Weekly, working in roles such as copy editor, managing editor, editor and magazine editor (taking a few years off here and there for good behavior). She currently works as a contributing editor on special projects such as Best of Utah, City... more

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