GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The City of Grand Junction has opted to prolong discussions regarding the future of the Resource Center, a facility that provides essential services to the unhoused population. With the center’s lease set to expire on April 15, a special workshop has been scheduled for March 26 to explore possible solutions.
Uncertainty Over Relocation Plans
Mayor Abe Herman acknowledged the city’s ongoing efforts to secure a new, permanent location for the Resource Center. However, he admitted that the process has faced multiple challenges.
- The city has explored potential sites but has yet to find a suitable option.
- Even if an ideal location is identified soon, it is unlikely to be operational by April 15.
- Officials have not yet provided a concrete plan for the center’s next steps.
Community Concerns About the Relocation
Many residents have expressed their concerns about the impact of relocating the center, particularly on the unhoused individuals who rely on its services. Sam Martin, a Grand Junction resident, emphasized that many in the houseless community have built connections in the area surrounding the current center.
“Its current location is where a lot of folks have established their communities,” Martin said.
Business owners are also worried about potential shifts in encampment patterns if the center closes or relocates. Niki Hunn, owner of Thomas Hunn Jewelers, pointed out that many unhoused individuals congregate downtown overnight, waiting for the center to open in the morning.
“If the Resource Center is then closed, they will go back to the other places they’ve always been,” Hunn said.
Key Services at Risk
During a public workshop on March 17, city officials and service providers discussed the most critical functions of the Resource Center. These include:
- Medical assistance for unhoused individuals
- Hygiene services such as showers and restrooms
- Case management to connect people with housing and employment opportunities
The discussion also introduced the possibility of a 30-to-90-day extension, which would allow service providers more time to develop contingency plans if the center is forced to close or relocate.
Calls for Collaborative Solutions
While some community members believe the city should continue leading efforts to support the Resource Center, others suggest that existing organizations could take on a more active role.
“Why are we as the city taking this on solely as our own problem when we have Catholic Outreach and HomewardBound?” Hunn asked. “I think during the interim, we work with them and give them more opportunity to take this on because it’s their wheelhouse.”
Others argue that the long-term solution lies in expanding affordable housing options.
“One of the best solutions to end houselessness is to build houses,” Martin said. “The best way to keep people out of poverty is to give them the resources they need.”
Future Discussions and Uncertain Outcomes
While city leaders, service providers, and residents largely agree that the Resource Center plays a crucial role in Grand Junction, the path forward remains unclear. Mayor Herman emphasized the importance of supporting unhoused individuals in the community.
“What we find when we do surveys is that 80-90% of these folks have deep ties to this community,” Herman said. “They are people who are from Grand Junction who have fallen into homelessness, and it’s important that we care for our community this way.”
