A local nonprofit struggles as federal shutdown stalls funding

OGDEN — As the federal government shutdown drags on, nonprofits across the country are feeling the strain, and at least one Utah organization said the impact could be devastating.

Youth Futures, which operates three shelters for homeless teens in Ogden and Southern Utah, relies heavily on federal grants to keep its doors open. But with no one available to process those funds, the money has stopped flowing.

“We’re providing not just a place to sleep, but meals, case management and helping them get back on their feet — reunified with family if that’s possible,” said Kristen Mitchell, founder and executive director of Youth Futures.

Mitchell adds that the nonprofit not only has two major grants that are still pending, but previously approved funds are frozen too.

“Everybody’s gone,” Mitch