Press Release
May 8, 2025
The Office of Homeless Services announces appointments for Utah Homeless Service Board
SALT LAKE CITY (May 8, 2025) - With the passage of H.B. 329 during the 2025 Utah Legislative Session changes have been made to the Utah Homeless Services Board, reshaping its purpose, structure, and membership. The updated board will work toward a vision of a pathway to human thriving for individuals experiencing homelessness, emphasizing holistic, long-term outcomes and a focus on individual dignity.
Wayne Niederhauser, State Homeless Coordinator, said, “The restructured board is a significant step toward strengthening Utah’s response to homelessness. By streamlining its operations and incorporating the voice of those with lived experience, we can ensure that our strategies are not only efficient but also empathetic and effective. This is about addressing the root causes of homelessness and empowering people to build sustainable, thriving futures.”
Key Updates from H.B. 329:
- Streamlined Board Structure: The board is now smaller, more efficient, and designed to make faster, more effective decisions.
- New Members:
- Brandy Grace, CEO of the Utah Association of Counties, joins the board, bringing her extensive leadership experience in local government.
- Maurice “Moe” Egan, a new member with lived experience of homelessness, will offer invaluable firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities for those who have experienced homelessness.
The board extends sincere gratitude to outgoing members Brandon Hatch and Councilman Arlyn Bradshaw for their dedicated service and contributions. Their leadership and commitment have helped lay the groundwork for this next phase in Utah’s homeless services system.
Chairman Randy Shumway said, “We are entering an exciting new chapter for the Utah Homeless Services Board. The addition of new perspectives, including the voice of lived experience, strengthens our ability to guide decision making that are both compassionate and effective. Our work will be grounded in understanding the root causes of homelessness and focusing on individualized solutions that enable every Utahn to thrive.”
The Utah Homeless Services Board will continue to meet quarterly to review strategies and assess progress on statewide efforts to reduce homelessness. For more information about the Utah Homeless Services Board, please visit: jobs.utah.gov/homelessness/
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