Remodeled Milestone Home Gives Young Adults a New Start, Cuts Homelessness Return Rate
Community Partners Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for Home Featured in Salt Lake Parade of Homes
Sandy, UT – August 3, 2026 – The Salt Lake County Youth Services Milestone Transitional Living Program cut the ribbon yesterday on a fully remodeled home for young adults experiencing homelessness, marking a milestone moment for a program that has served more than 350 individuals since 2012.
The event drew community leaders, donors, and program alumni to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sandy, next door to the newly renovated home. The four-bedroom property is now part of the 2026 Salt Lake Parade of Homes, giving the public a rare look inside a home that doubles as transitional housing.
The renovation, led by HomeAid Utah and Concord Homes, brought together dozens of trade partners who donated significant time, materials, and expertise. The result is more than a facelift. Program leaders say renovations like this one are already changing outcomes for the young adults who call Milestone home.
Kevin Rushforth, Milestone Program Manager, has seen that shift firsthand since HomeAid renovated another Milestone property in 2024. "After our renovation with HomeAid, these renovated homes have changed our success rate from 2 in 10 returning to homelessness to 1 in 20," Rushforth said. "We have less kids returning to homelessness and more of them staying housed for longer."
That momentum builds on a program already producing strong results. Since 2012, Milestone has served more than 350 young adults, with 97% housed and employed or in school upon exit in 2025.
For former resident Chance Hewitt, now a Youth Action Board Member, the program offered more than a place to sleep. "They've been able to provide me with a therapist, a case manager, and several other resources," Hewitt said. "While I was there, I was able to continue my education at Salt Lake Community College and work part-time. It's a very structured, stable life that I've been able to live now."
Cameron Thompson, a former resident and Youth Action Board President, led yesterday's ribbon cutting in front of the home. Thompson described what the remodel means to residents who will live there. "It's turned the place from a decent place to live to: I can't believe I get to call this home."
The home is owned by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and master-leased to Salt Lake County. Speakers at the event included Salt Lake County Deputy Mayor Erin Litvack, Utah Office of Homeless Services State Homeless Coordinator Tyler Clancy, HomeAid Utah Executive Director Lisa Wright, Sandy City Council Member Alison Stroud, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor James Wakefield, and Salt Lake County Youth Services Section Manager Mina Koplin.
"Milestone shows what's possible when Utah's building community comes together to give back," said Wright. "Built through generously donated time and materials, this project reflects HomeAid Utah's mission to provide stable homes for those who need them most. We're grateful to stand alongside Salt Lake County Youth Services and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in bringing it to life."
Salt Lake County Mayor Wilson echoed that sentiment. "This beautiful home shows what we can do when government, nonprofits, and community partners work together for our young people. Since 2012, Milestone has helped more than 350 youth find stable housing. Almost all of them leave ready to work or go to school, and most stay housed for good. That is the kind of result our community deserves, and I am proud to support the people who make it happen."
The Salt Lake Parade of Homes runs through August 15, giving the public an ongoing opportunity to tour the Milestone home and see firsthand the kind of investment being made in young people across Salt Lake County.
