During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the future of family shelters in the area, particularly in light of a proposed new facility. George Peshman, a science teacher at Hillcrest High School, raised concerns about the overcrowding at the Midvale family shelter and inquired whether the new shelter would replace it or operate alongside it. Officials confirmed that the Midvale shelter would remain open for the time being due to the high demand for services, with hopes of alleviating overcrowding.

The conversation also touched on the effectiveness of using hotels as shelters, a model that has gained traction since the pandemic. Officials from Road Homes indicated that while they have not previously operated a hotel specifically for families, they have successfully utilized scattered site hotels for individual shelters. They highlighted a recent initiative in Sandy that converted a hotel into a shelter for older adults and medically vulnerable individuals, which has proven beneficial in providing necessary support services.

When asked about the anticipated duration of stay at the new facility, officials noted that families typically require between 60 to 80 days to stabilize before transitioning back into the community. However, they acknowledged that the current rental market's rising costs and decreasing vacancy rates pose challenges for families seeking affordable housing, potentially extending their stay.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the need for innovative solutions to support families in crisis.