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Joe Pyrah
Somewhere between UVU and Miley Cyrus last week, Brent Crane turned a shovel full of dirt.
The director of the Food and Care Coalition broke ground a week ago on the coalition's new transitional shelter and headquarters at 920 S. 300 East in Provo.
Crane admits it wasn't the easiest week to get a little publicity. But with the ribbon cut on the $6.2 million shelter, he hopes to have it up and going in less than a year. Dave Lewis, senior vice president of Arrowstar Construction, would like to see it finished in nine months.
"We're just waiting to get a permit from Provo city," Lewis said.
There are a list of questions floating around, said Provo spokeswoman Helen Anderson, but they are within the normal scope of the permitting process and aren't expected to cause any delays.
Lewis thinks the permit could be issued before July 24.
The shelter will be about 34,000 square feet and house 12 women and 24 men. The idea behind the facility is to avoid the overnight shelter mentality and instead provide basic life lessons for the homeless, including how to hold down a job and be a good renter.
Individuals will be admitted to the facility based on a number of admission criteria, but in general, priority will be given to local homeless persons and those who are willing to become involved in the shelter's programs, Crane said.
On top of the multimillion dollar shelter, Crane is trying to raise $5 million for an endowment to keep it running.
He's still short on both: $2 million for the building and $2.5 million for the endowment. But he said he hopes to have it raised before the opening. Some of the building costs are coming from in-kind donations, including from Arrowstar.
"I think this is a great project for the community," Lewis said. "I think Brent Crane has a vision beyond everyone else."
The current facility at 60 N. 300 West will be in the hands of Utah County in April. It is expected to be demolished and replaced by a new convention center.
"We're excited that the Food and Care Coalition will be able to realize its dream of a new home with the opportunity for improved services for the clients they serve," said Provo's Economic Development Director Leland Gamette.
Food and Care Coalition
What: Transitional homeless shelter for 38 people
Where: 920 S. 300 East
When: Completion likely in spring 2009 |
