Warming centers in Utah County are open for the season

From October 15th to April 30th, three warming centers in Provo will be open every evening from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m

The goal of these warming centers is to help homeless people stay warm in the evenings and access resources.

According to the warming center’s registration website, the facility is looking for volunteers to assist warming center guests under the supervision of trained social workers and staff.

Commissioner Brandon Gordon, chair of the Winter Response Task Force, encouraged people to participate.

“We have a robust, compassionate and comprehensive plan to care for our unsheltered population during winter nights, but we desperately need volunteers,” said Commissioner Gordon. “I know there are a lot of people who want to help. I urge these kind-hearted and helpful people to contact us so that we can organize staff over the winter.”

The Mountainland Continuum of Care, a coalition of agencies in Utah working to end homelessness in the community, said on its website that volunteers “under the direction of trained social workers and social workers assist in setup and cleanup, security, and will help the community.” Personnel.”

Volunteers are also required to complete training before their first shift. Training sessions will be sent via email after registration.

“I can’t sugarcoat the reality: We desperately need people to help us,” said Karen McCandless, executive director of Community Action. “Tell your families, neighbors, colleagues, church members and anyone else who would like to join us. Homelessness is a community issue and we cannot ignore it.”

Shifts available for volunteers are 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and will be available every evening through April 30th.

The center rotates between locations every few days. Below are the locations of warming centers in Provo on applicable days.

• Mondays – The Genesis Project, 875 S 170 E, Provo, UT 84606
• Tuesdays– The Genesis Project
• Wednesdays – Utah County Public Works Red Warehouse, 2855 South State Street Provo, Utah 84606
• Thursdays – Provo Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 255 S 700 E, Provo, UT 84606
• Fridays – Utah County Public Works Red Warehouse
• Saturdays – Utah County Public Works Red Warehouse
• Sunday – Utah County Public Works Red Warehouse

Fred Sheehan, a former member of the Winter Response Task Force, said in an August Press release that he was also homeless.

“It wasn’t that long ago that I was homeless here too. I know what it’s like for them,” Sheehan said. “But I can tell you Utah County has great services. As soon as I got in touch with them, things got better and better. I got accommodation. I got help. And now it’s my job to help others get the same help.”

Although not everyone can volunteer, the center also accepts a variety of donations, according to the Mountainland Continuum of Care website. The following items can be donated:

• Cover
• New gloves for men
• New gloves for women
• Hand warmer
• Foot warmers
• Cup of noodles
• Macaroni and cheese cups
• Fruit snacks (packaged)
• Granola bars
• Sweet and salty packs
• Sandwich crackers/cookies (packaged)
• Sweets/chocolate bars (must be wrapped)
• Bottled water

Donations can be dropped off at the Community Action Services Food Bank at 815 S Freedom Blvd, Provo, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community Action Services has asked donors to let staff know the donations are for the warming center.

For more information about donations, visit their website Here and those who would like to volunteer at the warming center can register Here.