Cities in Utah County asked for donations to warming centers

SALT LAKE — The Utah County Winter Response Task Force is asking for voluntary funds from cities to help maintain its warming centers.

The centers opened October 15, providing homeless individuals with a place to sleep overnight through the end of April.

So far, the county has paid for the shelters. Now, necessary safety projects and an increase in people staying at the shelters led the task force to ask cities for help.

“We’re seeing a little bit higher [numbers] than what we expected,” said Brandon Gordon, Utah County Commissioner and Task Force Chair. “We told the state we would see around 75 [people], but now we’re seeing, especially these last few nights that have been really bitter cold, higher numbers.”

The task force is asking cities to donate $100 for every 1,000 residents in the city population.

“We looked at that opportunity and presented it at our monthly meeting with all of the mayors, and they were very very open to that,” said Gordon. “We have not had any cities say no.”

Resolutions were created for every city that wanting to participate and at least 10 cities have agreed to donate.

Gordon said it has already received about $17,000 in donations.

“We have not received any push back, it’s completely voluntary,” said Gordon.

Commissioner Gordon listed Spanish Fork, Cedar Hills, and Pleasant Grove as cities working to approve donations. Other reports include Alpine and Lehi approving the requests.

“I have been involved in government for almost 15 years. And this has been so fun to see everybody step to the table and be a part of the solution to try and help out this vulnerable community,” said Gordon.

How communities and individuals can help

Around 1600 volunteer shifts at the warming shelters are needed throughout the season.

“This takes a huge volunteer effort… The money is important, yes. But keeping the word out that this volunteer effort, along with those who do it every day, is really all of our success,” said Commissioner Gordon.

There is an age requirement to volunteer at the warming centers. But donations, especially blankets, are greatly appreciated.

“Blankets have been a huge ask. That’s kind of our main goal, we want to keep people warm and give them a place to sleep,” he said.

 Community Action Services in Provo. 815 S Freedom Blvd STE 100, Provo, UT 84601 are taking blanket donations.

Volunteers can sign up for shifts here.

Read more:

Volunteers needed to help count the homeless population in Utah

Code Blue Alert triggers temporary warming stations to open in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City calls for help to solve ‘brokenness’ in crime, homeless services