Every day, three times a day nearly 100 people congregate into the small cafeteria at the Utah County Food and Care Coalition.

Some exchange friendly greetings, some, with low heads stare blankly at the table, as announcements of job openings are read. All come for a meal, but most come for the additional reason of interacting with good friends who have become to them a family.

Among them is Carl Clemons who has been homeless for 16 years. A former carpenter in Florida, he found himself without a home job or family through a sequence of unfortunate events. Five years ago he came to Utah and has moved transiently about the state living out of his car. At least once a day he comes to the Utah County Food and Care Coalition for the meal program.

In order to help more people like Clemons, the Utah County Food and Care Coalition is seeking approval from Provo city for a new multi-million dollar building to act as a shelter, care facility and educational center.

Coalition director Brent Crane says that the new facility is greatly needed. "One of the biggest challenges is that the housing component is missing. We are one of the few counties that do not have shelter services."

The coalition currently uses a system of vouchers with local motels to provide shelter for those in need, but the lack of permanent facilities is limiting.

Jonathan Hardy, state community services director, agreed.

"Housing is the key," he said. "It's hard to get stabilized at all when you don't know where you are going to sleep."

Treatment for medical conditions or therapy for mental conditions is of second priority when housing is missing. Hardy said housing such as the new Food and Care facility is much simpler than the alternative of emergency rooms and jail systems, the cost of which is greater and spread throughout the entire tax-paying community.

Clemons expressed his gratitude for the assistance and stability given him by the coalition. "During the winter there is a place to stay, good meals, a good place to talk to friends who have accumulated here. I have people to talk to and people who need to talk to me."

If approved, the new $11.2-million facility is scheduled to begin construction next spring in the East Bay area. With 38 transitional dorm rooms, in-house clinical therapists from Wasatch Mental Health, and educational programs the coalition would be more suited to provide for its clientele.

The coalition has already raised $4.2 million through private contributions of individuals and foundations and is about to start a public campaign.

Amidst the vast number of reasons for poverty, Hardy said the majority of impoverished and homeless Utahns are victims of rising housing costs, substance abuse, mental illness and domestic violence.

"This is probably one of the least understood populations" says Crane, "it is not as simple as the initial judgment of a person."

This is consistent with Clemon's Story. After a financially and emotionally devastating divorce, he turned to drugs and alcohol which eventually led him to homelessness. However, after receiving treatment and counseling from the Food and Care Coalition, Carl has been off drugs and alcohol for two years.

Crane highlighted the unique situation which exists in Utah County. In the Provo-Orem area entry level jobs are not available due to the sizable student population. Employers would much rather hirer a bright upcoming student, than take a chance on a person coming from poverty. "One thing that people should be aware of is that it is not that simple to go and get a job."

In 2005, the Utah County Food and Care Coalition served over 112,000 meals feeding an estimated 3,500 individuals. But the meal service, said Crane, is merely an identifier. "The main goal is to teach a better way of life."

The coalition uses a system called "pay it forward" where clients receiving treatment are organized to do service projects for the community. The coalition has organized cemetery clean-ups, Sub-for-Santa drives and even care-packages for orphanages in Russia and China.

"One of the biggest problems our clients face is feeling detached from the community" Crane said. This program helps them relate to the community, and feel accountable to it.

Crane also recognized the community as the most vital aspect of his organization. The coalition logged 15,000 hours of volunteer help and was 90 percent funded by donated money and materials. "I believe in the power of the community. There is something present in our program that isn't present in other governmental programs."

While there are no clear cut answers, Crane said he feels the obligation to help those less fortunate "this community has a responsibility to reach out to others." New facilities aid the solution, but when dealing with questions such as poverty, the answer lies in the united effort of the entire community.

As for Carl, with the help of the coalition he has a job and tries to help others at the cafeteria.

"Everyone helps each other when they're down," he said. "There is a unity here that I know isn't just me."

To donate or volunteer at the Utah County Food and Care Coalition, call 373-1825 or visit their Web site at www.foodandcare.org.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page B1.