SANDY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — The Medically Vulnerable People (MVP) Facility opened its doors to its first clients on Monday.
After months of working with the city to convert a motel into a transitional housing facility, the new MVP, equipped with beds for 165 people, is officially open for service, according to a press release.
The MVP Facility, which previously stood as the Econolodge Inn , is a temporary housing shelter for seniors, veterans, and those who are otherwise medically vulnerable. It was established to help medically vulnerable people experiencing homelessness find stability and proper health care.
The facility varies from a traditional homeless shelter in a few ways, such as through its onsite health care resources and its referral-only requirement, meaning walk-ins are not accepted.
The referral method is intended to ensure that those “seeking assistance are connected to the right channels in a more streamlined process of care,” the release said.
Rather than signing up to stay in the facility, Shelter the Homeless will select the people who require additional medical attention to stay in the facility, such as people over the age of 62 or those with health conditions.