Housing hurdles have left many Grand Junction families feeling stuck — but a familiar local resource is getting a fresh start to help renters find a place to call home.
What The ‘Almost Home Guide’ Offers
The City of Grand Junction just announced it’s relaunching the Almost Home Guide, part of the broader “At Home in GJ” program aimed at tackling housing challenges across Mesa County.
So, what’s inside this guide? It’s basically a free, up-to-date list of rental units that are move-in ready within 45 days. New listings come out twice a month — on the first and third Thursday — giving residents a real shot at nabbing a spot before they’re gone.
Meeting The Needs Of Tenants And Landlords
Ashley Chambers, the city’s Housing Manager, says the guide bridges a gap for both renters and property owners. “Our city has had this landlord and tenant program for a while, but the guide really hits both sides. It helps renters know what’s out there and gives landlords a reliable way to reach good tenants.”
It’s no secret that Mesa County’s rental market is tight. Local renters have been grappling with rising prices and a squeeze on available units since before the pandemic. For families in transition — especially those juggling jobs, kids, or recovering from housing insecurity — having a simple list of what’s open can be a lifeline.
What Else Does ‘At Home in GJ’ Include?
The Almost Home Guide is just one piece of a larger puzzle. The At Home in GJ program also:
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Hosts workshops to help tenants understand their rights and responsibilities.
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Offers landlord resources and best practice sessions.
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Connects people with education on housing stability.
That means folks looking for housing can learn how to be successful renters — and landlords can avoid headaches down the road.
Why It Matters Now
Ask anyone renting around Grand Junction: the competition for safe, affordable housing is fierce. The city says the guide is about removing barriers — or at least lowering them — so people can find housing before they’re in crisis.
A local resident, who asked not to be named, said last year she spent weeks calling landlords only to find out units were already leased. “If I’d had a list like this, I probably could’ve saved myself a lot of stress,” she said.
Chambers added, “We want to make the process simpler, not more complicated.”
How Residents Can Access The Guide
There’s no catch — the Almost Home Guide is free. Residents can:
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Check it online.
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Pick up a printed copy at designated city offices.
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Sign up for notifications so they don’t miss new listings.
Here’s a quick look at the guide’s publishing plan:
| Release Schedule | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 1st and 3rd Thursday each month |
| Move-In Timeline | Units available within 45 days |
| Cost | Free for Mesa County residents |
| Where to Access | Online or designated city locations |
Looking Ahead: Building Housing Stability
City officials hope the guide helps people secure housing faster, stay stable longer, and feel more confident navigating leases and landlord relationships.
As Grand Junction continues to grow, Chambers says resources like this will be critical to keeping up with demand. “It’s not a fix-all,” she admits, “but it’s a step in the right direction.”
Anyone interested can learn more by visiting the city’s housing website or calling the housing office directly.
