Salt Lake City, in partnership with the State Office of Homeless Services and Switchpoint, is piloting a Temporary Shelter Community (TSC) in downtown Salt Lake City this winter to support 50 individuals experiencing homelessness in a non-congregate setting as they connect with resources to transition to permanent supportive housing.
The microshelter is located on a parcel of land owned by the City’s Redevelopment Agency at 300 South and 600 West. Switchpoint, the nonprofit service provider selected by the State Office of Homeless Services, will operate the site through April 30, 2024.
The Temporary Shelter Community is piloting a new component to the state’s homeless services network and will inform the implementation of a more permanent site, which is anticipated to operate in 2024 under state management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will live at the temporary microshelter community? What is the occupancy?
Residents are selected through emergency shelter coordination by local homeless service partners. The maximum occupancy at the microshelter will be 50.
When does the microshelter open and how long will it be in operation?
The microshelter opened on December 15, 2023. Switchpoint, the nonprofit service provider selected by the State Office of Homeless Services, will operate the site through April 30, 2024.
How many beds are actually available to people experiencing homelessness?
The temporary microshelter community is in addition to 460 extra beds open currently for the winter at locations across Salt Lake County. At least 165 more beds are set to come online in December/January at the Medically Vulnerable People facility in Sandy, which will bring the total to 665 winter overflow beds. Another 200 beds are made available on Code Blue Nights.
What’s the plan to ensure safety in the area?
Safety is an important part of this pilot.
The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD), outreach providers, public cleaning teams, Downtown Ambassadors, and the SLC Park Rangers developed a comprehensive safety and security plan that will ensure public safety and the safety of residents of the shelter both in and around this immediate neighborhood.
The plan focuses on addressing camping and other illegal activity in the area, as well as connecting individuals to supportive services. Salt Lake City is improving the current issues already identified by the neighbors in the area.
SLCPD has seen great success in reducing crime around the Gail Miller Homeless Resource Center since a dedicated squad was put in place in the Summer of 2023. There are increased patrols in the microshelter area during the pilot. We will be diligent in keeping the area, residents, and visitors safe.
How can I help?
The number one thing we can all do to help is to show compassion for our unsheltered residents as we continue to work toward better solutions, including permanent affordable housing. In the coming weeks and months, there will be efforts to organize volunteers who would like to support the temporary microshelter community. If you would like to receive notification about volunteer opportunities, please sign up here.
Questions, comments, or to report issues
For any needs please email the city at the link below. Our team will make every effort to return calls and emails within one business day.
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Use the form below to sign up for email updates regarding the temporary microshelter.