Once an elementary school, Harris Community Village in Tooele, Utah, has transformed into a hybrid apartment complex and homeless shelter offering hope to those in need. The facility now includes 66 permanent housing units and a 44-bed emergency shelter, along with family rooms, a community kitchen, an emergency food pantry, and 24/7 childcare. Most services are managed by Switchpoint, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people experiencing poverty and homelessness.
Residents receive support and case management services while following a structured agreement with Switchpoint and the Tooele County Housing Authority. Though the shelter maintains strict sobriety policies, it provides a safe space for those seeking stability. Governor Spencer Cox has praised the project, calling it a model for future shelters across Utah. Despite its $31 million price tag, supporters believe similar repurposing of empty buildings—from malls to office spaces—could help combat homelessness in more communities.
