SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (Jan. 21, 2026) — Shelter the Homeless announced the appointment of Wayne L. Niederhauser to its board of directors today.
Niederhauser previously served as Utah’s first state homelessness coordinator and brings decades of leadership experience in public service, housing policy and community-focused solutions that align with Shelter the Homeless’s vision to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
Prior to joining the Shelter the Homeless board, Niederhauser served for 12 years in the Utah Legislature, including six years as senate president. As state homelessness coordinator, he helped guide statewide homelessness strategy and support funding efforts.
“Shelter the Homeless sits at the center of our community’s response to homelessness,” said Niederhauser. “During my time as state homelessness coordinator, I saw firsthand how critical the organization is, not only because of the scale of its shelter operations, but because of the role it plays in bringing partners together, stabilizing the system and creating pathways to lasting solutions. Continuing my service on the Shelter the Homeless Board allows me to remain engaged in work that delivers real, measurable impact for individuals, families and communities across the state.”
Shelter the Homeless oversees six homeless resource centers across Salt Lake County serving men, women, families and medically vulnerable older adults, accounting for over 90% of available shelter beds. Its service model has resulted in 73% of participants being housed within 90 days.
“Wayne’s leadership as Utah’s first state homelessness coordinator helped shape a more coordinated, thoughtful approach to addressing homelessness across our state, and we are deeply grateful for his years of public service,” said Josh Romney, president and chair of the Shelter the Homeless board. “We are honored to welcome him to the Shelter the Homeless Board, where his experience, insight and systems-level perspective will strengthen our work and help guide the organization as we continue expanding our impact for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.”