Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Frigid temperatures led Salt Lake City to declare a Code Blue emergency.
- Warming stations opened, providing shelter and resources to homeless individuals.
- Volunteers from Unsheltered Utah emphasized respect, dignity and community involvement.
SALT LAKE CITY — Frigid temperatures prompted Salt Lake City officials to declare a Code Blue emergency Monday night. This critical measure opened warming stations across the city, offering refuge to those experiencing homelessness.
At St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, one such warming center was ready to house up to 85 individuals Monday, with transportation available to other shelters with open space. The Code Blue initiative activates whenever temperatures drop to 18 degrees or below, providing life-saving shelter and resources to the city's most vulnerable residents.
Preparations for the evening began early in the day, ensuring a seamless operation. By 7 p.m., volunteers from the local nonprofit Unsheltered Utah were hard at work, serving meals and offering comfort to those seeking warmth.
Wendy Garvin, executive director of Unsheltered Utah, said it's not just about shelter. "We also have the goal of providing respect and dignity and love," Garvin said.
Guests checking into the warming center go through a process that includes bag checks and adhering to strict rules, ensuring a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
For volunteer Lara Mason, the experience has been deeply rewarding. "People don't understand how desperate the need is, how cold it is," she said. "It's the most satisfying thing I do all week."
Garvin, who spearheaded the temporary shelters three years ago, said community involvement is key.
Most of these people we meet are just in situations they have no control over. They're really lovely.
–Lara Mason, volunteer
"It breaks down stereotypes and it really builds a very sympathetic community who are actively working to solve some of these problems," Garvin said.
The interaction between volunteers and guests fosters a sense of connection. "Most of these people we meet are just in situations they have no control over. They're really lovely," Mason added.
Unsheltered Utah continues to seek volunteers, donations*, and supplies to sustain its efforts.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
