Hotel or motel vouchers are short-term emergency accommodations provided by government agencies or partner nonprofit organizations in lieu of a bed in a congregate shelter. They are used when a person is virtually homeless (without a safe place to stay) and other housing options are unavailable or inadequate. In Utah, these vouchers are allowed under certain homeless services grants: for example, according to the Utah Office of Homeless Services, hotel and motel vouchers for a family or individual are eligible expenses when adequate emergency shelter is unavailable.
They are temporary: typically lasting a few nights, or even a week or more, depending on the program and funding. Their purpose is to buy time to find a long-term solution (housing, rapid rehousing, or housing placement).
Places That Offers Free Hotel Vouchers for Homeless Utah
Community Action Services & Food Bank (Provo)
This agency created a winter “emergency motel voucher” program in Provo: homeless people can obtain one-night accommodations in a motel when shelter is unavailable.
Uintah Basin Association of Governments
They offer housing services to homeless people in their area (including short-term assistance). They may refer or issue hotel/motel vouchers.
In addition, at the state level, the Utah Office of Homeless Services (OHS) allows “hotel or motel vouchers for families or individuals” under certain conditions (specifically when adequate emergency shelter is unavailable).
How to Find a Hotel Voucher for Homeless People in Utah (Step-by-Step)
If you or someone needs help, you can proceed as follows:
Call 211 or your local homeless services hotline
In Utah, 2-1-1 (or your local United Way/Community Action line) is the gateway to many emergency housing services. A resource guide recommends calling 2-1-1 to get in touch.
Explain your situation clearly
When calling, indicate that you are unsheltered and have no safe place to stay for the night. Include your location (city/county), household size (do you have children?), any disabilities, any domestic violence, etc.
Specifically ask for a referral for an emergency motel/hotel voucher
Tell the intake worker that you need a voucher because there are no shelter beds available and you need a safe night’s sleep. Mention that the program allows hotel/motel accommodations when adequate shelter is unavailable.
Complete any required intake or screening
Some agencies will conduct a brief assessment or refer you to a social worker. If you are in Provo, Community Action Services and the Food Bank handle intake after a police or community referral.
Obtain voucher authorization and go to the motel/hotel
The agency will coordinate with a motel or issue a voucher code/reference that you must present upon check-in. Note: You may need to act quickly and obey motel rules (no pets, etc.) depending on the program.
Work immediately on the next step (case management/housing plan).
The voucher is only short-term. You may want to contact a social worker or a housing program to establish a more stable situation.
Eligibility Requirements: What They Typically Ask For
Eligibility varies by program and funding availability, but common criteria include:
- You must be virtually homeless (not having a safe place to stay, not just at risk).
- There are no available spaces at another emergency shelter or the shelter is not suitable for your needs (for example, you need a private room, you have pets, etc.).
- You may need to be a priority population: families with children, people with disabilities, victims of domestic violence, etc. (depending on the local program).
- Some providers may request identification or proof of homelessness, eviction, or unsafe housing, although programs often make exceptions in emergencies to minimize the need for excessive documentation.
- Voucher stays are often time-limited (one or more nights). For example, in Provo, the voucher program covered a one-night motel stay between midnight and 6 a.m. during the winter program.
- Utah’s funding agency rules state that hotel/motel vouchers are only eligible when adequate emergency shelter is unavailable.
It’s important to call ahead, be honest, and have as much information as possible (how long you’ve been without shelter, household size, any immediate risks, etc.) to present your case.
Other Resources and Long-Term Help
Since voucher assistance is temporary, you may also want to access other support:
Emergency Shelter Beds/Day Centers/Outreach Services: Many communities in Utah have drop-in centers or shelters (especially for families or youth). The End Homelessness Utah Resource Guide lists numerous shelters and referral agencies.
Rapid Rehousing/Housing Choice Vouchers/Permanent Supportive Housing: Through the Utah Council on Homelessness and the Office of Homeless Services, there are programs to move homeless or unsheltered individuals into more permanent housing. The “Homeless to Housing” program is one example.
Rental Assistance/Utility Assistance/Prevention Funds: If you are not yet homeless but are at imminent risk (eviction, job loss, domestic violence), there are some funds in Utah that help prevent homelessness, which is often easier than responding afterward. The resource guide also includes rental assistance programs.
Faith-based and community organizations: Some churches, charities, and community action agencies may have discretionary funds for motel vouchers or emergency shelter. Utilize local church social services and local community action agencies.
Conclusion
These programs don’t guarantee long-term stays; they’re designed to ensure your safety for one night (or several nights) while other housing options are arranged. However, they can make a crucial difference in avoiding dangerous situations without shelter.
