New Homeless Resource Center Facing Delays, Lack Of Funding
Aug 1, 2019, 8:10 AM | Updated: 8:11 am
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah – A new homeless resource center that was scheduled to open in July has now had its opening pushed to September due to funding issues.
The 300-bed center is being built in South Salt Lake, and delays have been blamed on lack of permits and weather conditions, among others. According to new information, though, the delays have been due to unpaid construction workers and an outstanding $13 million bill.
During a city council meeting Wednesday, South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood shared information from an email sent by Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox. The letter stated that the shelter would not open on time because of nonpayment.
Cox is a lead state official tasked with handling homelessness issues. He’s also a member of the Shelter the Homeless board, which owns three new resource centers that are expected to be nearing completion in the coming months.
The letter, which was obtained by Deseret News, states that those payment issues are “affecting the move-in date.”
Wood said once the doors are open, though, the plan is to transport people dealing with detox and drug addiction services to the appropriate facilities.
“We understand the financial pressures, but we also believe the success for 300 men looking for stable housing depends on running a safe and efficient facility,” she said.
Shelter the Homeless requested a short-term bridge loan from Salt Lake County in May to finish the job, but it has yet to be approved.
