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Grand Junction, Colorado, grapples with supporting over 2,300 unhoused residents while maintaining a vibrant downtown. The Unhoused Resource Center at 261 Ute Avenue, opened in January 2024 post-Whitman Park closure, delivers 16,000 meals and 8,000 showers yearly. Yet, nearby residents cite encampments, drug activity, and safety issues. With the center’s lease ending June 30, 2025, and West Springs Hospital closed on March 10, 2025, a sustainable plan is critical to address homelessness and community concerns.

Why the Unhoused Crisis Persists

Managed by HomewardBound of the Grand Valley and United Way of Mesa County, the Resource Center offers meals, hygiene, and case management. However, its downtown location sparks tension, with social media debates highlighting calls for closure versus support for the vulnerable. Rising rents (up 50-60% since 2019), low wages, and limited shelter beds drive homelessness, per a 2023 needs assessment. The closure of West Springs Hospital, the region’s only inpatient psychiatric facility, exacerbates mental health and addiction challenges, leaving gaps in care.

A Five-Point Solution for Grand Junction Homelessness

1. Relocate and Upgrade Resource Centers
   • Shift the center to a larger, 24/7 facility in an industrial area to minimize residential impact. Expand services like medical care, addiction recovery, and job training.
   • Maintain low-barrier access for the center’s 100+ daily visitors.
   • Engage residents in planning to ensure community buy-in.
2. Expand Housing Solutions
   • Build tiny home villages on city land, as proposed in 2024 council talks.
   • Establish safe parking areas for RV and car dwellers with water and security.
   • Fund permanent supportive housing using Colorado’s homelessness grants.
   • Offer developer incentives for affordable units to ease the $52,000 income barrier for market-rate housing.
3. Enhance Safety and Collaboration
   • Increase Grand Junction Police’s Community Resource Unit patrols to connect people to services and address crime.
   • Create city liaisons for resident-unhoused mediation via monthly forums.
   • Fund encampment cleanups paired with shelter outreach, building on 2024 fire mitigation.
4. Address Root Causes
   • Expand job placement with the Workforce Center.
   • Integrate mental health and addiction services into shelters, vital post-West Springs closure.
   • Prevent evictions with rental assistance, like Colorado’s Homelessness Resolution Program.
5. Secure Regional Funding
   • Partner with Mesa County and nonprofits, guided by the 2023 assessment.
   • Tap Colorado’s $86 million homelessness funds before 2026.
   • Launch private fundraising, inspired by Mutual Aid Partners.

Benefits for All

This plan reduces street presence with housing and services for the unhoused. For residents, it relocates the center, boosts safety, and fosters collaboration, avoiding Whitman Park’s missteps. It aligns with Grand Junction’s 2024 Unhoused Strategy and state funding.

Act Now

Advocate at council@gjcity.org or upcoming workshops (visit gjcity.org). Volunteer with HomewardBound or United Way. Share solutions at AshesOnAir.org. Grand Junction can lead with compassion and pragmatism.

Explore more at homewardboundgv.org/resource-center and unitedwaymesacounty.org/resource-center.