Davis County warming center changes location due to early building demolition

SALT LAKE CITY — Over the weekend Davis County officials learned the Davis County warming center it had been using would be demolished ahead of schedule.

Davis County Grant Administrator Ryan Steinbeigle said when Code Blue regulations came into play in Utah, Davis County proposed several buildings they owned. But then, Davis Behavioral Health reached out to the commission and let them know it had a building in Layton they didn’t plan on using, and the building would be demolishing in July.

However, Friday afternoon Davis County Commission Office got the call – plans had been moved forward and demolition would happen on Feb. 4, leading them to change locations.

In a post made to Facebook Kaysville Mayor Tamara (Tami) Tran voiced her, and the cities opposition to the decision.

“This decision was made without Kaysville City’s input or approval, and unfortunately, Kaysville City has no authority to prevent it,” Tran said. “Our position remains unchanged: Kaysville City does not support or endorse a shelter in our community.”

The new Davis County warming center is located in Kaysville at a county Emissions Testing Center at 520 Old Mill Lane.

“The I/M building currently used as an automobile emissions testing and training center seems less than ideal,” Tran said in the Facebook post.

Steinbeigle says space at the new location is more condensed, but they have organized it and it should work for the days it is needed.

Under Code Blue warming centers, like this one, the center would only open on nights where the temperature reaches 18 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Steinbeigle said on their busiest night they had about 20 people at the center.

“The majority of people accessing the warming center are seniors, interestingly enough,” he says. “All with different unique stories.”

He says the people who came to the center in Layton were all from the area and really just needed somewhere to go on these cold nights.

“Some people are just down on their luck and can’t make enough money to afford rent anywhere in the county,” Steinbeigle said, “Or some people lost their home because they couldn’t continue to make their mortgage payments. Or you know, there’s some individuals that probably have some mental or behavioral health issues.”

Tran seems to recognize this as well in her Facebook post.

“While our city and staff still believe Kaysville is not the right place for a facility, we have witnessed firsthand the humbling and heartbreaking reality,” the Facebook post said. “There are individuals within our county who truly have nowhere to go on freezing winter nights.”

Davis County warming center volunteer work and safety

Overall Steinbeigle said people in the community have been very supportive.

“You know, I get calls and text messages and emails almost daily from people who wanna know how they can help,” Steinbeigle says, “If they can donate items or if they can sign up to be volunteers.”

Right now Steinbeigle says they have about 225 people in a GroupMe chat who they reach out to for volunteer work at the center, but they always welcome more.

“People have busy lives and busy schedules and families and work and other commitments,” Steinbeigle said. “And so they’re not always able to volunteer.”

Tran said in an email response to KSL NewsRadio’s Bryanna Willis that she has seen residents respond to the center as well.

“(On Tuesday), I joined county staff in setting up cots at the warming center in the I/M building in Kaysville,” Tran said. “It was heartening to see so many dedicated residents organizing clothing donations, food, and drinks to support those seeking refuge from the cold.”

Tran says they are working with local police, fire and other officials to make sure everyone living in the area stay safe, including those in the shelters.

“A county officer is on-site all night, county staff is on-site and available 24/7, volunteers are in the center the entire time, and participants are leaving in the morning without issue.” Tran said in the Facebook post. “Kaysville city will enforce city ordinances.”

Steinbeigle said some of the concerns residence had about the center may have come from a misconception on what the center is.

“We don’t allow drugs or alcohol into the warming center or weapons or anything like that. We’ve never had any issues with anybody trying to bring any of those things in, and people don’t, you know, leave the warming center and go wander the streets or anything like that.” Steinbeigle said. “They truly are there for the sense of community and a place to stay warm and get some rest.”

Overall Steinbeigle is optimistic about the move.

“I think some of our communities have gotten a bad reputation because of the initial pushback,” Steinbeigle said, “But I would say that, for the most part, the majority of the community has really, you know, been supportive and and wants to help in any way they can.”

Steinbeigle and the Mayor both say volunteers are needed and to reach out to Davis county with any questions. 

Related:

Kaysville homeowners show up in large numbers to oppose warming center