SALT LAKE CITY — Just ahead of the holiday season, Utah State Liquor Stores are offering customers the option to round up purchases to the nearest dollar to help alleviate homelessness statewide. Created earlier this year by the Utah State Legislature under House Bill 548, the initiative directs all contributions to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account, supporting programs to prevent and reduce homelessness across Utah.
Funds raised through the round-up program will be directed to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account, managed by the Utah Office of Homeless Services. The funds are distributed to homeless nonprofit services providers statewide to provide vital support to Utahns experiencing homelessness. Services may include temporary shelters, meal service, case management and housing.
Senator Jerry Stevenson, the bill’s sponsor, stated, “This program offers Utahns a simple way to make a meaningful impact. By rounding up, we can provide essential resources to those who need them most and make significant strides toward addressing homelessness in our state.”
At checkout, customers will be asked if they would like to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar. If they agree, the additional funds will be transferred directly to the Pamela Atkinson Homeless Account. For example, if a customer’s purchase totals $38.14, they will have the option to round up to $39.00, contributing $0.86 towards homelessness services.
Atkinson said, “These small donations add up to make a big difference for our friends experiencing homelessness.”