LAYTON, Utah — The Davis Education Foundation will open a new Teen Living Center in Layton to help students experiencing homelessness.
Jodi Lant, executive director of the foundation, said there are hundreds of students in the Davis school district who struggle with unstable living situations.
“Young people tend to sleep on couches, they tend to sleep in sheds. They tend to sleep in their cars. These young people need a safe place to rest their head at night. They need a great place where they can start to learn life skills, get a stable job and have a place to do their homework,” she said.
Lunt said the inspiration for the three-year project was the community. Teachers, counselors and families reach out to the Davis Education Foundation for help, which has access to day centers. But they can only provide temporary support.
“A local resident recognized the work we were doing at our teen center for our day care services and honestly asked, 'But where are our most vulnerable young people sleeping at night?'”
Beginning in mid-September, the new facility on N. Fort Lane will be able to serve students in the Davis School District.