The Other Side Village

10/12/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, Pamela Atkinson who passed away on World Homeless Day.

Pamela was one of those rare people who didn’t just talk about compassion. She lived it, every single day. Her life was a powerful reminder that service is not about recognition or accolades. It’s about seeing people, loving people, and showing up when they need someone most.

We have had the privilege of knowing Pamela and witnessing the extraordinary commitment she brought to this work. She understood som**hing fundamental: people experiencing homelessness are not problems to be managed. They are human beings deserving of dignity and connection.

What made Pamela so special was that her compassion knew no boundaries. She could move between the halls of power and the streets of Salt Lake City with equal comfort, treating everyone with the same genuine care and respect. She didn’t just advocate for people experiencing hardship. She knew them by name, remembered them, and made them feel that they mattered.

Her legacy is woven into the fabric of Utah, but her greatest legacy may be the countless lives she touched and the example she set for those of us who remain committed to this work.

Pamela, thank you for your friendship, your example, and a lifetime of reminding us what it truly means to serve others. Your impact will live on in the lives you changed and in those of us who will continue the work you loved.

God be with you til we meet again.

10/01/2026

What’s on the other side of despair?

Hope.
Purpose.
Belonging.
A second chance.

But sometimes, people need more than a second chance.

They need someone willing to believe in them, believe with them, and expect more from them.

At The Other Side Village, we believe homelessness is not the end of someone’s story.

It can be the beginning of a new one.

Grateful to The Foundation for a Better Life for sharing the story of The Other Side Village in “On the Other Side of Despair.”

Because we don’t just want people to find a home.

We want them to find themselves.

And then discover what they’re capable of becoming.

There really is another side.

And it’s beautiful.

Read the full story from the Foundation for a Better Life:
https://www.passiton.com/positive-good-news-stories/276-on-the-other-side-of-despair

09/29/2026

"Second chances are real and we are here to help," That’s the message of the Other Side Village on Saturday as they celebrated recovery, dignity and hope.

09/27/2026

What an incredible afternoon of Rising & Restoring at The Other Side Village.

The Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir filled the Village with music, faith, hope, and a powerful reminder that restoration is possible.

But the most inspiring part wasn’t just the music and southern brunch.

It was hearing firsthand from Village residents who have risen from homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and years of struggle, and are now rebuilding their lives with purpose, dignity, accountability, and hope.

Their stories remind us that people are not defined by where they have been.

They are defined by what they are willing to become.

Sometimes restoration begins with a song.
Sometimes it begins with a second chance.
Sometimes it begins with looking at the man in the mirror and deciding, I can do som**hing different.

And sometimes, it begins with a community that believes in you before you fully believe in yourself.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this beautiful gathering possible and to the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir for bringing such incredible energy and spirit to the Village.

Rise. Restore. Renew.

The best is yet to come.

09/22/2026

Daniel spent 10 years of his adult life in prison and years caught in he**in and m**h addiction.

Today, his life looks very different.

As a Coach at The Other Side Village, Daniel is helping others transform their lives, drawing from his own experience with addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and the difficult road to recovery.

In this Stories from the Other Side podcast, Daniel shares his journey through addiction, prison, and fatherhood, and the path that ultimately led him to The Other Side Academy.

Now, he helps people coming off the streets rebuild their lives through structure, accountability, and purpose.

His story is a powerful reminder that our past does not have to define our future. With the right community, meaningful expectations, and someone willing to believe in us, transformation is possible.

At The Other Side Village, we believe in the power of lived experience. Daniel isn’t just telling people that change is possible. He’s showing them.

🎙️ Listen to Daniel’s story: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZarjaoLUi58searching

09/22/2026

https://www.fox13now.com/the-place/rise-restore-a-gospel-concert-for-second-chances

At Rise & Restore, guests will enjoy the Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir, a Southern brunch, and powerful stories of hope, recovery, transformation, and second chances.

09/22/2026

‘I’m shining bright’�

A year ago, Melissa MJ Hepworth graduated from The Other Side Prep School, a nonprofit with a mission of helping people acclimate after experiencing homelessness.��

Fox 13 anchor Amy Nay spoke with MJ as part of a tour of an expansion of The Other Side Village in Salt Lake City.

“I’m shining bright, and it’s because people believed in me,” MJ says.

Read Amy’s story: ⬇️

09/22/2026

Honored to host the Salt Lake City Police Department Sergeant Workshop at The Other Side Village Ally Community Center this week.

One of the most meaningful parts of the day was hearing directly from members of our team who have lived experience with incarceration, addiction, and homelessness.

There is tremendous power in bringing law enforcement and people with lived experience into the same room, not simply to talk about homelessness and incarceration, but to better understand the people behind it.

At The Other Side Village, we believe Human First means seeing the whole person, understanding their story, recognizing their potential, and creating the accountability, community, and purpose necessary for lasting change.

Thank you to the Salt Lake City Police Department for investing in learning, listening, and building stronger connections with the people and communities we all serve.

Real change happens when we stop talking about people and start talking with them.

09/20/2026

What if one moment could help change a life? The Other Side Village is a place where moments change lives every day. A community built on hope, purpose and transformation.

Experience an unforgettable morning at The Other Side Village on Saturday, September 26th at 10:30am.

Included in your ticket:
Beautiful and inspiring music by the Debra Bonner Unity Choir, Debra Bonner Unity Gospel Choir
Full catered southern brunch
Hope and transformation

1882 W Indiana Avenue in SLC
Parking is free

Ticket link in bio

09/18/2026

✂️ Today, we didn’t just cut a ribbon. We opened a door.

A door to possibility.
A door to belonging.
A door to purpose.
A door to self-reliance.

Today we celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Other Side Prep School and the Pat and Florence King Self-Reliance House.

“Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

There’s som**hing profound about that.

Because homelessness can make people feel like they are on the outside looking in. Forgotten. Labeled. Defined by their past.

But what if the answer isn’t simply giving someone a place to live?

What if the answer is giving someone a place to belong?

At The Other Side Village, we believe The Prep School is the gateway to learn, grow, work, and build the skills necessary for a different future.

And the Village is a community where that future can take root.

We don’t believe in defining people by their worst chapter.

We believe in what can happen when people are given the opportunity to write a new one.

Today was a celebration of buildings. But more importantly, it was a celebration of people and possibility.

Here’s to the next chapter.
And to being changed for good.