Davis County officials approved a real estate purchase contract on Tuesday to acquire five acres of vacant land for a new permanent supportive and transitional housing project in Clearfield. The project, which may include up to 60 housing units, hinges on the approval of a $4.7 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The land, located north of the Tanner building and west of Workforce Services, was selected due to its proximity to essential services such as transportation, mental health services, and workforce development. Community and Economic Development Director Kent Andersen told the commission on July 28 that the site's zoning supports the proposed use. Andersen noted that Clearfield identified the area as a suitable location for permanent, supportive housing.
The project is intended to serve as a permanent solution for individuals currently utilizing temporary shelters. Andersen described the initiative as the "gold star standard" for addressing homelessness, as it provides a longer stay with professional services on-site. The facility would act as a permanent referral location for those currently utilizing Code Blue shelters, which are temporary accommodations used between October and April when temperatures drop below 18 degrees.
The acquisition is contingent upon the approval of a Section 108 loan guarantee from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to Andersen, the county will not proceed with the purchase unless the federal loan is secured. Once the loan is finalized, the county intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to find a developer to partner with for the construction of the facility.
If all financial and developmental requirements are met, Andersen estimated the project could be completed within three years. The initiative follows previous community tension regarding the placement of temporary Code Blue shelters in residential neighborhoods. Andersen noted that the community has been "incredible" and has recognized the importance of having a dedicated, appropriate space for these services.
The development aligns with broader regional and state efforts to manage homelessness. The Utah Homeless Services Board, which coordinates comprehensive support across the state, works to make homelessness "rare, brief and nonrecurring." The board includes representatives from government, private industry, and philanthropy to develop strategies that address the root causes of homelessness.
Davis County's approach to housing is supported by various federal and state resources. The county administers Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from HUD to support affordable housing projects and urban development. Additionally, the county participates in the HOME Investment Partnership Program, a partnership between Clearfield City, Layton City, and the Urban County, which provides funding for building or rehabilitating affordable housing units.
Data Driven Strategies
The mission of the Utah Office of Homeless Services is to address homelessness through collaborative initiatives between state and local leaders. The office utilizes data dashboards to track system performance, including annual data on housing inventory and point-in-time counts. These tools are designed to increase transparency and guide resource allocation to ensure community stability.
