Humanitarian Center
The work done at the Humanitarian Center is part of the Church’s larger effort to care for those in need. Through these efforts, the Church and its members observe the second great commandment Jesus Christ taught: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).
During Christ’s earthly ministry, a lawyer challenged this commandment with the question, “who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The Lord replied with the Good Samaritan parable, which exemplifies that we are meant to treat all people—no matter their different religious backgrounds, cultural origins, or nationalities—as our neighbors, and offer mercy and support. This is what the Church and its members strive to do at the Humanitarian Center.
Tour the Humanitarian Center
Tour the Humanitarian Center and experience how the Church helps individuals build skills and prepare for success. Go behind the scenes to explore the job‑training journey and participate in assembling humanitarian kits.
Call to schedule a tour. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Address: 1999 W. 1700 S. Salt Lake City, 84104
Phone number: 1-801-240-5954
Operational hours: 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Mon.–Fri.
Tour hours:
- Monday 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Tuesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM *
- Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM *
- Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM *
- Friday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
*Extended hours available until 7:30 p.m. by appointment. Call (801) 240-5954 to schedule.
Tour length: 45 minutes
Parking: Free
What Is the Humanitarian Center?
The Humanitarian Center was established in 1991 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a two-fold mission: provide job training for displaced people and others seeking employment skills and prepare charitable supplies for those in need across the world. As the center has evolved, the principles of caring for those in need, fostering self-reliance, and encouraging service have remained constant.
Each year, the Humanitarian Center hires hundreds of new employees to undergo work training, which includes opportunities to learn skills such as production, forklift operation, food service, custodial, and maintenance. Associates sort and process surplus donations from Deseret Industries thrift stores, which are then distributed for humanitarian aid, sold to other recycling buyers, or recycled when unusable in an effort to care for the earth.
Members of the Church also volunteer at the Humanitarian Center creating quilts and serving those in need in other ways.
Job-training at the Humanitarian Center
At the Humanitarian Center, associates are paid to sort through thrift store donations and package materials for humanitarian efforts across the globe. Associates who are immigrants (either seeking asylum or otherwise) are also paid to take English classes as part of their workday.
Expert staff members support associates’ needs and development throughout their tenure. They may help development in the following ways:
- English practice
- Interpersonal employment skills
- Practical employment skills and certifications
- Citizenship
- Job placement
- Longer-term career planning
Interested in learning more about how you can participate in humanitarian work as well? Explore the How to Be a Humanitarian series.