LOCAL NEWS

Logan warming center needs more volunteers, donations as use goes up

Jan 21, 2025, 6:14 PM | Updated: 7:34 pm

LOGAN With a drop in temperatures this week, volunteers at the William A. Burnard Warming Center are growing concerned for many of their patrons who are leaving early for work in some very frigid temperatures.

“They’re walking to work when it’s two degrees outside,” Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Runhaar said. “We try to provide them with what we can of layers and thermals and coveralls and trying to get them safe to get there, but it is a real concern.”

Meantime, Runhaar adds that the number of people who are coming to the center for help each night is up from a year ago. Where numbers typically averaged around 20, it’s now closer to 30, with this busiest night topping out at 38 so far.

Christine Runhaar adds that the number of people who are coming to the center for help each night is up from a year ago. (Mike Anderson, KSL-TV)

“In Cache Valley, the homeless aren’t always on the streets, or in the tents like they are in big cities,” Runhaar explained. “They’re in their cars, they’re hidden away in the parks. They’re in storage units.”

With the numbers steadily increasing, Runhaar adds that they need more help; in both volunteers and donations.

“Laundry expense goes up, all the sheets, blankets, everything goes through the roof,” Runhaar said. “So that adds a huge expense.”

The Burnard Warming Center has a list of their needs, including an Amazon wish list on their website. Runhaar says thanks to their volunteers, they remain open every night during the winter, from November 29th to April 13th, regardless of whether a code blue goes into effect or not.

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Logan warming center needs more volunteers, donations as use goes up