Utah County takes over Provo warming center after Community Action's sudden closure

Utah County had two days to figure out how to keep its warming center running after Community Action Services and Food Bank — the organization that had been running the shelter — announced a temporary closure. The county pulled it off, but the scramble exposed how thin the margin is between a functioning safety net and a gap that leaves homeless adults out in the cold.

The warming center, located at 2615 S. State Street in Provo, opened November 1 and runs nightly through March 15, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. It serves individuals and couples 18 and older. The county is now administering it directly while it works to hand operations off to a new provider.

As of Friday, Community Action was our administrator for the warming center. Unfortunately, the food bank is going on a temporary closure. So we have had to scramble the last two days to bring the administration of the warming center back to the county.— Skyler Beltran, Utah County Commissioner

Last winter the center averaged about 59 people per night, according to Beltran. He credits the program with a measurable shift in the county's homeless population over time.

Over the last three years, we've had a reduction in chronic homelessness in Utah County, and we absolutely attribute this to this warming center and this program.— Skyler Beltran, Utah County Commissioner

The warming center is not the only service Community Action's closure puts in question. The organization also ran a food bank, and what happens to that operation remains unresolved, according to Beltran.

We're working through that. It's definitely a big loss for the community, but we're sure to rally and find a solution.— Skyler Beltran, Utah County Commissioner

For now, people needing food can turn to the Food & Care Coalition, which continues to provide three meals a day. Families with children and people with disabilities who need shelter assistance can access hotel or motel vouchers through the county rather than the warming center itself.

The county is actively recruiting volunteers to help staff the shelter through the winter. Overnight coverage is divided into three shifts, and volunteers need only commit to one. Donations of supplies can also be made through an online Amazon registry the county has set up.

Why it matters — With Community Action Services down, the county is the last line between roughly 59 people a night and a Provo winter — and the food bank gap it leaves behind has no clear fix yet.

⚠ Based on a single source (ksl.com). Independently unverified — details may change.

Reported by ksl.com