The Village Camp organizer believes she died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) There are tents in the front yard of Darin Mann’s estate on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
A woman who lived in a homeless camp set up in a private resident’s backyard died on Sunday morning of what the camp organizer believes is carbon monoxide poisoning she contracted after trying to keep her tent warm.
He said: “It is also clear that we do not have the resources to deal with this problem in a private residence. It’s time to create and implement a lasting solution. “
He defended the construction of a small domestic community in memory of the woman.
Salt Lake City police lieutenant Steve Wooldridge confirmed that a 45-year-old woman died at the camp on Sunday morning.
The police were called there shortly after 6 am on Sunday because a man was in poor health and, when they arrived, noticed that other people needed medical care.
The woman was the only person who died.
Wooldridge said he did not know of any other deaths in this camp, but said, “These things happen from time to time in all camps.”
He encouraged those who work with people living on the streets to direct the homeless to resources established and financed by the government.
The woman’s death comes at a time when activists and government officials are discussing the best ways to help the homeless population of Salt Lake City, with many activist groups taking on self-employment by distributing meals and organizing camps.
During a public comment period at the formal Salt Lake City Council meeting last Tuesday, some Salt Lake City residents criticized the decision to sweep the camp, due to the forecast of sub-zero snow storms for the week past and asked the city to give more to the homeless people Tempo.
Editor’s note • Anyone seeking shelter is encouraged to call the coordinated entry line at 801-990-9999.