Utah County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, and that growth puts pressure on the housing market. Costs are rising faster than wages, and affordable units remain limited. For many, a health crisis, job loss or family disruption can quickly become a housing emergency. Others face longer-term challenges tied to chronic street homelessness. Increasingly, people are just one unexpected event away from losing stable housing.

These challenges are not unique to Utah County. Communities nationwide are experiencing rising housing instability as affordability gaps widen. Locally, the impact is clear in the growing demand for basic services that help people stabilize during times of crisis.

For more than three decades, the Food & Care Coalition has met this need with a time-tested, evidence-based model. By combining meals, basic necessities, case management and access to health and housing resources under one roof, the coalition addresses immediate needs while helping people move toward long-term stability.

Service demand alone shows the scope of need. Last year, the Food & Care Coalition served more than 109,000 meals – a record – and distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of basic necessities, supporting people at every stage of housing instability.

Meaningful progress requires collaboration. Utah County benefits from strong partnerships among nonprofits, government agencies, volunteers and donors as they work together toward lasting solutions. Homelessness is complex, but it is not unsolvable. With proven approaches and community commitment, neighbors can regain stability and hope – and you can be part of that change.

To learn how you can get involved and be part of the solution, visit foodandcare.org or call 801-373-1825.