As a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, Utah Community Builders spotlights one organization each month that’s making a meaningful difference in the community. The initiative supports the Foundation’s mission to engage Utah’s business community in addressing key issues that strengthen the state’s workforce.
What started 11 years ago with a simple question after seeing a man experiencing homelessness — “How can I do more?” — grew into something far bigger. That moment led to the creation of Switchpoint, now one of Utah’s largest providers of homelessness and poverty services, with more than 13 facilities and nearly 400 employees statewide.
Switchpoint takes a comprehensive approach to ending homelessness while strengthening the communities they serve. Their work includes food services, critical emergency shelter, deeply affordable housing and stability resources like case management, job support, mental health services and child care. Each program is designed to create meaningful, lasting impact, not just for individuals, but for neighborhoods and communities across Utah.
When talking about homelessness in Utah, Senior Director of Communications and Government Relations Zachary Almaguer shared, “Many people would be surprised by the diversity of populations we serve and the situations that can lead to poverty and homelessness. There’s really no one face to homelessness, it can affect anyone.”
“A lot of people come to us during moments of crisis,” Almaguer added. “Through strong partnerships with community members, neighbors, elected officials, law enforcement and local organizations, we live by our belief that it truly takes all of us.”
Beyond meeting immediate needs, Switchpoint focuses on people as individuals and community members. Each person is paired with a case manager who assesses their situation and helps identify the right path forward. “We get deeply involved with people going through our program so we can provide the support they need to move forward,” Almaguer said.
There are many ways to support Switchpoint and be part of the good they’re doing in the community — by volunteering, donating or shopping at one of their six social enterprises, including Switchpoint Coffee, Switchpoint Thrift and Bed-N-Biscuits. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly back into their mission.
To learn more, visit their website here.
