Logan’s Warming Center Seeks Volunteers Ahead of Winter Opening

As winter approaches, the William A. Burnard Warming Center in Logan is calling for volunteers to support its mission of providing shelter for the unsheltered. The center will begin operations on November 30, 2025, and continue through mid-April 2026. In the event of extreme cold, specifically when temperatures reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, the center may open its doors earlier under a Code Blue Alert.

Executive Director Heather Crockett noted that the center has seen a significant increase in demand since its establishment. Last winter, approximately 200 individuals sought refuge at the center, a sharp rise from the 100 people who used the service in its inaugural year. She anticipates further increases this season, reflecting a growing need for support in Cache Valley, where homelessness is often less visible than in larger cities like Salt Lake.

Although the community may not face the same level of homelessness as urban areas, data from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count indicated that there were 145 homeless individuals in Cache County as of January. Many guests at the warming center are employed and may own vehicles, but they struggle with the rising costs of housing. “Prices have gone up and up, making it more difficult for people to keep up,” Crockett explained.

The warming center, located within St. John’s Episcopal Church, can accommodate around 30 people per night. To operate effectively, it relies heavily on the support of volunteers, needing approximately 56 volunteers each week. Opportunities to assist include direct service during operational hours, participating in community events, or engaging in outreach programs.

Recently, the center conducted a training session for current and prospective volunteers, with another session scheduled for November 15, 2025. This training aims to instill a standard of kindness and respect among volunteers. Participants undergo background checks and receive insights from former volunteers about their experiences at the center. “We had multiple volunteers who shared that without the warming center, they might not be alive,” Crockett mentioned.

Beyond providing shelter, the warming center addresses basic needs by offering shower passes and access to laundry facilities once a week. The center collaborates with the Bear River Association of Governments to connect guests with resources for housing assistance.

Crockett, who assumed her role as executive director in September 2025, expressed a desire to establish a year-round resource for those experiencing homelessness in Cache Valley. “Within three to five years, we hope to secure a permanent location that operates throughout the year,” she stated.

For those interested in volunteering at the William A. Burnard Warming Center, further information can be found on its website or by emailing [email protected]. The center is located at 85 E. 100 North in Logan, and community involvement is crucial as winter approaches.