Deseret News Share this story Roberto, who declined to give a last name, poses for a photo near the Red Iguana off of North Temple in Salt Lake City on Tuesday May 18, 2021. Roberto is formerly homeless and struggled with addiction to heroin starting in approximately 2011 and continuing to 2018. In 2018 he decided to “clean up his life after eight to nine times.” He was prescribed a Sublocade injection that helped him curb his addiction, save up money, enter a relationship and secure a car and apartment. “I have a hard time leaving even though I have a place at home, I have a car,” Roberto said. “I have a hard leaving because I know people out here and I know the struggle. I know when you’re in that addiction it’s hard to get out of it.” Roberto noted that Utah is a good state for resources, but often those struggling with mental illness and addiction aren’t finding support and need more help. “I come out here and try to, just say ‘hi,’ give a little hope to some people I know and even though they hear it a lot, I kind of got them, getting them help at the VOA. I know that they don’t want to be out here. ... I try to offer some of my good buddies clothing, a place to shower. ... I try to offer hope.”