Logan’s Warming Center Seeks Volunteers as Winter Approaches

As winter approaches, the William A. Burnard Warming Center in Logan is actively seeking volunteers to support its mission of providing shelter for the unsheltered. The center is set to open nightly from November 30, 2025, through mid-April 2026, and may begin operations earlier if a Code Blue Alert is issued due to temperatures dropping to 18 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Heather Crockett, the executive director of the warming center, indicated that the demand for shelter has increased significantly. Last winter, the center served approximately 200 individuals, nearly doubling the 100 individuals who sought refuge in its inaugural year. Crockett anticipates further growth in demand this season, citing that homelessness in Cache Valley is present, despite being less visible than in other regions of Utah.

Growing Demand for Shelter Services

Data from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count conducted in January revealed 145 individuals experiencing homelessness in Cache County. Many of those seeking assistance at the warming center are employed but are struggling to afford rising housing costs. “Prices have gone up and up, making it difficult for people to manage,” Crockett explained, emphasizing that many guests might not have previously identified as homeless.

The warming center, located within St. John’s Episcopal Church, can accommodate about 30 individuals each night. To maintain operations, the center requires approximately 56 volunteers each week. Volunteers can contribute in various ways, including onsite support during operational hours, community events, or outreach efforts.

Volunteer Training and Community Impact

A recent volunteer training session was held, with another scheduled for November 15. The training aims to ensure that volunteers adhere to the center’s standards of kindness and respect for guests. Potential volunteers undergo background checks and engage with current staff and board members to learn about the experience of volunteering at the center.

“We had multiple volunteers that have been told, ‘If it wasn’t for the warming center, I wouldn’t be alive,’” Crockett stated, highlighting the profound impact of the center on its guests.

In addition to providing shelter, the warming center offers essential services such as shower passes and laundry facilities on a weekly basis. The center collaborates with the Bear River Association of Government, which helps direct individuals to housing assistance resources.

Crockett, who assumed her role as executive director in September, expressed a vision for the future. She hopes to establish a year-round resource for individuals experiencing homelessness in Cache Valley. “Within three to five years, our hope is to secure a permanent location that operates year-round,” she said.

Those interested in volunteering at the William A. Burnard Warming Center can visit its website or contact the center via email at [email protected]. The center is located at 85 E. 100 North in Logan, and community support is crucial as the winter season approaches.