GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — After years serving Grand Junction’s unhoused population, the Resource Center operated by HomewardBound of the Grand Valley is officially slated to close this June. While the move had been anticipated for months, a clearer picture of the closure timeline and transitional plans has now emerged — and so too have the challenges.

HomewardBound, alongside United Way of Mesa County, presented a phased exit plan to the Grand Junction City Council this week. At the center of the plan: continuity of critical services such as case management, healthcare, and meal distribution — even as the physical infrastructure of the facility prepares to shut down.

“We are grateful that they gave us some more time to get the closing arranged correctly,” said Bill Wade, Chair Emeritus of HomewardBound, reflecting on the urgency and complexity of the transition.

Countdown to Closure: A Phased Wind-Down

Beginning April 15, the Resource Center will operate on reduced hours — open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. That schedule will remain in place until May 15, after which the center will operate only three to four days a week, depending on the status of service relocations.

The final closure is scheduled for June 1, with demolition efforts expected to begin around June 15, marking the end of the center’s physical presence in downtown Grand Junction.

But as one chapter ends, another — more fragmented — one begins.

Decentralized Services, Dispersed Providers

With the Resource Center’s doors closing, HomewardBound and United Way have secured leased spaces for essential personnel including a nurse and a case manager. Additional locations are being sought for external providers and community partners.

One particular focus: faith-based meal providers, many of whom have offered food services on-site for years. Now, HomewardBound must figure out where to relocate meal distribution efforts while maintaining safety, dignity, and access for clients.

“We want to be able to take the meal providers from all of our faith-based communities and other nonprofits and figure out where we’re going to relocate them,” Wade explained.

Business Concerns and Behavioral Policies

Business owners in the immediate area have voiced growing frustration about loitering, particularly during non-operating hours — a concern HomewardBound is actively addressing in its revised operational policies.

“We check in everyone at the gate — you won’t even be allowed inside the yard unless you check in and are here for a service,” said Wade. “There’s going to be no loitering around or hanging around in the yard anymore.”

It’s a policy shift aimed at minimizing tensions between service providers and the surrounding business community, many of whom have expressed anxiety about the potential spillover effects of the closure.

Transportation and Communication Hurdles

As services splinter into multiple locations, transportation for guests becomes a key concern.

Unlike a centralized facility, decentralized sites may stretch across neighborhoods — creating barriers for people without consistent access to transit. Wade acknowledged this issue, noting that logistical gaps remain.

“There are concerns over transporting guests to services and finding a new permanent location,” he said.

Despite these concerns, community engagement is increasing. Wade said several business leaders have reached out, via the Chamber of Commerce, expressing willingness to assist in the transition effort.

“I think the most important thing that everyone can do is be a part of the conversations about what comes next,” Wade emphasized.

A Transitional Moment With No Permanent Address

While stakeholders remain committed to ensuring services continue, there’s no clear timeline yet for a new permanent site for the Resource Center or a similar facility. As of now, services will operate across multiple leased locations — a solution that may be functional, but not ideal.

Still, Wade remains hopeful.

“I feel better than I’ve felt in three or four months simply because we have a plan,” he said. “We know when it’s going to be closed, we know where a lot of the services are moving to. Now we have to see if it will work in multiple locations.”

Throughout the process, direct communication with clients will be prioritized. HomewardBound and United Way plan to keep guests informed as details solidify, ensuring those who rely on the Resource Center can continue accessing essential services with as little disruption as possible.