In a significant development for families experiencing homelessness, Switchpoint, a St. George-based community resource center, has expanded its facilities to better accommodate those in need. The newly opened family expansion unit, which officially began operations in early 2023, increases the shelter’s capacity from five to 16 family rooms. This expansion aims to provide a safe space for families like that of Valerie Ward, a single mother who faced homelessness after a series of difficult circumstances.
Ward, a 38-year-old mother of four, relocated to Utah from the border of Mississippi and Tennessee to find a more supportive environment. After converting a cargo trailer into temporary housing, she moved to the Utah-Arizona border, enrolled her children in school, and secured a job. However, the search for stable housing proved challenging, leading her to a crisis she never anticipated. “This was the first time I’ve ever hit that kind of rock bottom,” Ward explained. “I’ve never been homeless. I never would have imagined that this is where I’d be right now.”
New Facilities Address Critical Needs
The expansion of Switchpoint’s services is particularly crucial as it represents the organization’s first emergency shelter exclusively for families. According to Zack Almaguer, senior director of communications at Switchpoint, the initiative addresses a pressing need for keeping families together during difficult times. “One of the most difficult parts of critical emergency shelter is keeping families together,” he stated. “Now, with help in construction from various family foundations, partners, and the state, we have been able to build this new family unit.”
The new facility not only provides shelter but also offers essential resources aimed at helping families transition out of homelessness. Almaguer emphasized the importance of support services, saying, “Shelter is shelter, but when you couple that shelter with three meals a day and a support system including a case manager on-site, that’s when it becomes something more. Emergency shelter does not solve homelessness; it is a temporary stint to help residents gain stability so they can move to that next step.”
Switchpoint’s services extend beyond St. George, with multiple facilities across Utah catering to diverse populations. The organization has positioned itself as a critical player in the fight against homelessness in the region, contributing significantly to community welfare.
Community Support and Future Goals
The establishment of the family unit at Switchpoint is facilitated through private donations and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, as local organizations and residents recognize the importance of supporting families in distress. This collaborative effort reflects a broader commitment to addressing homelessness in Utah and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.
As families like Ward’s find refuge and support at Switchpoint, the organization continues to seek ways to enhance its services and impact. The commitment to not just provide shelter but also empower families through essential resources underscores the multifaceted approach needed to tackle homelessness effectively.
In conclusion, the recent expansion at Switchpoint marks a pivotal step in addressing the growing issue of family homelessness in southern Utah. By offering a safe haven and comprehensive support, the organization is helping families regain their footing and work towards a more stable future.
