It seems an appropriate place, because those who are temporarily living there are all victims of domestic and sexual abuse and violence. The group's members are drawn from the ranks of law enforcement, the school district, and even the business community.
"Domestic violence is a crime,"said John Huber of the U.S. Attorney's Office. He recently spoke to the group. "We have made great strides. Years ago many people would've even questioned anyone calling it a crime."
He noted that criminals perpetrating domestic violence are not specialists, but generalists. "Criminals aren't the brightest people on the planet. They make poor decisions. A burglar may also be a meth addiction, violent at home, have a DUI(Driving Under the Influence) record, be charged with drug distribution.
"They're affecting the quality of life elsewhere," though, Huber continued. "If we can focus on domestic violence, we'll solve these other problems. One problem these people have throughout life -- they're losers.
"Domestic violence is the type of crime that permeates all parts of society, perpetrated by people who maybe are successful otherwise."
This crime can involve police officers, lawyers, doctors, anybody. "It's not just the bad neighbor" who is involved in it, Huber said.
"Domestic violence brings down the house. It's not just the direct victim that is hurt, but the entire household. And that goes to the core of the community," he said. In an effort to fight the problem, the "federal hammer" has been invoked, Huber said. "We will take them (criminals) away, also try to prevent further abuse."
He also briefly described a program called Project Sentries. "We don't want youth to get a mindset they can solve their problems with drugs or crime. Domestic violence is a start in violence. The U.S. has the highest amount of youth violence and killing among rich industrialized countries."
One must look at families in an effort to determine if such problems are likely to occur, Huber said. "If there is a history of crime, a high amount of family conflict, aggressive behavior, and parents are in conflict, it's only a question of when," as far as such problems developing.
"These are the homes of the next generation of thugs, where the 'slam heads' are, homes where family members are being victimized now."
Huber said he lives across the street from an elementary school. "I can pick out the kids on the playground who are the bullies, hear their profanity, their threats. These are 4th and 5th graders. I can tell what their homes are like, what they will be turned out like. How is he going to treat his future partner?"
He said a needs assessment must be conducted. "We have to know that we're making a difference for the next generation."
But the problem in Utah still should be controllable, compared to a place like Chicago, he said. "Last year, Chicago made headlines. For the first time in a long time, they had under 600 homicides. In Utah in 2003 we had 47 homicides.
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