Ogden, UT – A proposal to transform a vacant assisted-living facility in Ogden’s older east-central neighborhood into long-term housing for chronically homeless individuals is drawing mixed reactions from local leaders, raising questions about the best location for such a facility.
The facility, located at 2325 Madison Ave. in Ogden, was previously the Aspen Care Center and is being eyed by the Weber Housing Authority to house 25 low-income, chronically homeless individuals with disabilities. The project aims to provide not only shelter but also case management and programming to help residents achieve self-sufficiency.
However, several city officials have raised concerns, particularly regarding the facility’s location. Ogden City Councilman Dave Graf expressed reservations at a work session, highlighting the facility’s proximity to schools, a library, and downtown Ogden. Graf pointed out that the east-central neighborhood is undergoing a revitalization effort, and placing a homeless facility in the area might hinder that progress.
Councilman Richard Hyer, echoing Graf’s concerns, described the location as a “deal-breaker” for him, indicating that he would not support the proposal if it remains in its current location.
Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski, while not voting on the matter, also expressed skepticism. Nadolski questioned the lack of city involvement in the site-selection process and suggested that the project could proceed more effectively with more input from local officials. “We want to house people,” he said, “but we want a seat at the table and a chance to find a better location that works for everyone.”
Despite the pushback from some local leaders, the proposal has gained strong support from public health advocates and residents concerned about homelessness. At a public hearing on December 3, attendees voiced strong backing for the project, praising its focus on providing stable housing and services for the chronically homeless.
“We can revitalize this section of the city and care for the most vulnerable in it,” said Kevin Lundell, an Ogden resident and project supporter. He also urged city leaders to allow for additional public input, as many residents are just now becoming aware of the proposal.
Andi Beadles, executive director of the Weber Housing Authority, sought to address concerns by emphasizing that the project is designed as more than just housing. “This is a program,” she said, explaining that residents would receive case management and participate in programming aimed at helping them reintegrate into society. Beadles also pointed out that housing the homeless in a facility would be more cost-effective than leaving them on the streets, which often results in the use of emergency services and public resources.
“We’re talking about reducing the cost of emergency response, police services, hospital visits, and the overall burden on taxpayers,” Beadles said.
However, with $590,000 in federal funding available for the project, Beadles noted that time is of the essence. The funding must be used by June, or it will be lost. Despite this urgency, Beadles said the Housing Authority remains open to considering alternative locations, though she stressed that the Madison Avenue site was one of the best options available after reviewing other potential locations, including motels.
The City Council is expected to vote on the proposal at its meeting on January 14, though some officials remain uncertain about the project’s future due to the ongoing debate over its location. The decision will likely have significant implications for the future of Ogden’s east-central neighborhood and the city’s approach to addressing homelessness.