Old Ogden fire station being converted to homeless resource center


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OGDEN — The simple brick building at 340 Washington Blvd. may not look like much. In fact, you may drive past it and never think twice about what it is. However, the work about to happen within those walls will be life-changing.

According to a 2016 survey done by the Department of Workforce Services, there are more than 260 homeless families in Weber and Morgan counties. There are some in the community that when they learn of a problem, they do everything they can do to help — even if that help comes from an unlikely source.

"I've just seen too many families that just had a bad break and they needed somebody to help them up a bit," said Nancy Davis Broderick, president of Family Promise of Ogden.

Family Promise is a national, nonprofit organization that helps homeless families get back on their feet. There is already a chapter in the Salt Lake area, and one is about to open in Ogden. The goal of Family Promise is to get all families back to self-sufficiency within two months, before more families are welcomed into the program.

While the organization isn't new, its Ogden facility may be a first of its kind.

"It's in the old fire station," Davis Broderick said.

During the day, the building will be a home to five families — a place where they can shower, do laundry and receive employment assistance. At night, they'll be housed by local church congregations.

The building was constructed in 1947 and used by the Ogden Fire Department until last year. "This building would be empty, so why not use it and let some good come out of it," Davis Broderick said.

It's a statement the city of Ogden agreed with.

"We take care of the utilities and maintenance and it's given to us for a year, and then they will help us find a long-term location," Davis Broderick said.

A structure built with the purpose of helping people will help people once again.

"We're just thrilled we're able to use it," Davis Broderick said. "Obviously, it has a lot of love."

A lot of love, and now a lot of hope for those who need it most.

"We're helping families," Davis Broderick said. "Ogden is helping families and we're all working together to try and make a difference."

There is a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for the new Day Center, 340 Washington Blvd, on Friday, April 28, at 11:30 a.m. The facility will officially be open May 7.

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