A chilly evening in Grand Junction brought together dozens of compassionate residents on Saturday as they participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk at Las Colonias Park. The annual event, organized by Homeward Bound, raises both awareness and funds to support those experiencing homelessness.
A Movement Spanning North America
What started as a local initiative has grown into a continent-wide movement. Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) now takes place in 268 communities across North America. The event has been running for 15 years, and Grand Junction remains the only city in Colorado to host it. For two consecutive years, the valley has embraced the cause, bringing people together for a shared mission: supporting their neighbors in need.
Participants bundled up in layers and walked through the cold, experiencing for a brief moment what many face every night. It’s not just about the funds raised—it’s about stepping into the reality of those without a home.
Connecting Community to a Cause
Amber Henning, Chief Advancement Officer for Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, emphasized the emotional impact of the walk.
“I think not only will people get that opportunity to connect to what it would really feel like if they were cold and didn’t have a warm home to go to, but I think also it gives people that opportunity to connect with just how broad people experiencing homelessness really is,” Henning said.
Henning highlighted that homelessness affects a diverse range of individuals—families, veterans, people with jobs struggling to afford housing, and those facing unexpected hardships. The walk fosters empathy and understanding, bringing attention to a critical issue that often goes unseen.
More Than Just a Fundraiser
The event’s goal isn’t solely financial. While donations help fund shelters and services, the experience itself drives home an important message.
- Walking in the cold offers participants a small glimpse into the daily struggles of those living without stable housing.
- It fosters a sense of solidarity, uniting people from all walks of life behind a common cause.
- Awareness leads to action—many first-time participants leave inspired to volunteer or advocate for policy changes.
Henning reinforced that the event is about recognizing the humanity of those affected. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re homeless or whether you have been, or any other reason in between. These are human beings that we’re supporting, and we’re just excited to see the community come out and do so,” she said.
The Growing Need for Support
Homelessness is an issue that has been steadily rising across the U.S. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 650,000 people experience homelessness on any given night. The situation has been exacerbated by economic challenges, rising rents, and limited access to affordable housing.
A look at recent statistics:
| Year | Estimated Homeless Population (U.S.) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 580,000 |
| 2021 | 620,000 |
| 2022 | 650,000+ |
Events like CNOY highlight the urgency of addressing homelessness at both local and national levels. With rising living costs, more individuals and families are at risk of losing stable housing, making support from communities even more crucial.
How the Funds Help
Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, the organization behind the event, provides vital services to those in need, including:
- Emergency shelters offering a safe place to stay.
- Assistance programs to help individuals find permanent housing.
- Resources for job placement and financial stability.
Funds raised from the event go directly toward these programs, ensuring people in crisis receive the support they need.
A Community Standing Together
Saturday’s event wasn’t just a walk—it was a statement. A statement that the Grand Junction community cares about its most vulnerable members. As temperatures dropped, hearts warmed with solidarity and a shared determination to make a difference.
With another successful year in the books, the hope is that more cities in Colorado and beyond will follow Grand Junction’s lead. Because, as this event has shown, small acts of empathy can ripple outward, creating real change.
