Lantern House Reflection

The site was overwhelming while it is in its construction phase. We were fortunate enough to tour the place before the final finishes were chosen. The floor plan was well thought out and fit the needs of the people who are going to be using the space, residents and volunteers. The community room in the front of the building sets the stage as to how the building is going to serve the people of the Ogden Area. Not only is it for the residents to use for planned activities, but for events that the community may use as another resource for space. Space, the one thing that the existing shelter is lacking. The new shelter will be able to house 80 men, 56 women, and have 14 units for families. That is an amazing amount of space to care for those who need the community’s help.
The amount of space in the kitchen will allow for more volunteers to help with feeding the homeless. The new kitchen will be able to have the capabilities to serve the homeless for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the existing space only serves lunch, the new director is very motivated and excited to be able to care for so many people all at once.
The shelter will also be providing a hair cutting station, a health care clinic, and provide computers for people to look for jobs and keep in touch with loved ones. All of these stations and clinics are all volunteer based. The board members who make the major decisions on how the place is going to function, are also the ones who are volunteering. That is an impressive thing for the community to come together like that. The donations, government funding and volunteers are what make this new space so great. People helping people, and in such a great, new facility.
The whole building is ADA compliant for guests and residents. With only seeing the floor plan, and the building framed in, the overall look, to me, feels like it could take on a Craftsman type shape and build. The building itself looks very sturdy, square, and flows functionally for the purpose in which it was intended. With the diverse population that will be occupying the space, every type of person and need has been well thought out and planned.
My awareness of the homeless was very limited before the tour. The tour has opened my eyes. My knowledge before was seeing the homeless on wall avenue crossing the street. And because of what you are told when you are a child, those thoughts stay with you to this day. I have a new perspective and respect for the homeless and those who serve and care for them.