Utah County steps in to keep warming center open

PROVO — Utah County is temporarily taking over administration of its warming center after Community Action Services and Food Bank announced a temporary closure, ensuring people experiencing homelessness still have a place to stay warm this winter.

The warming center opened Sunday, Nov. 1 and will operate nightly through March 15, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. at 2615 S. State Street in Provo.

The center serves individuals and couples ages 18 and older. Families with children and people with disabilities can access other assistance through the county, including hotel or motel vouchers.

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran said Community Action Services had been administering the warming center until the recent closure forced the county to step in.

"As of Friday, Community Action was our administrator for the warming center," Beltran said. "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."

He said the county plans to transition administration to another provider in the coming days. In the meantime, the county will oversee operations.

Last winter, the warming center averaged about 59 people per night, according to Beltran. He said the program has also played an important role in reducing chronic homelessness in Utah County.

"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," he said.

The county is also looking for volunteers to help staff the warming center. There are three shifts throughout the night, and volunteers only need to commit to one shift.

Community members can also help by donating items through an online Amazon registry.

The temporary closure of Community Action Services has also left questions about the future of its food bank and other services.

When asked about what happens next, Beltran said that it is still being determined.

"We're working through that," he said. "It's definitely a big loss for the community, but we're sure to rally and find a solution."

For people needing food assistance, the Food & Care Coalition continues to provide three meals a day.