The clock is ticking for one of Grand Junction’s most crucial lifelines for the unhoused, as phase two of the Resource Center’s relocation plan begins May 16 — bringing both hope and anxiety to the community it serves.

For many, the building on Ute Avenue isn’t just a shelter. It’s a refuge. A routine. A rare constant in lives marked by uncertainty. But come June 16, the pavilion structure will be gone. And with it, a piece of the support network many rely on daily.

Schedule Shifts, Emotions Run High

Starting May 16, the Resource Center will only operate three days a week — Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

That change has sparked concern among both staff and guests. People have built rhythms around access to showers, case workers, and a space to feel human. “They’ve gotten used to being able to access services here,” said Bill Wade, Chair Emeritus of HomewardBound.

One staffer, who asked to remain unnamed, said the transition has been “a punch in the gut” for guests. It’s not just about fewer open days. It’s about uncertainty.

Still, there’s no intention to abandon those in need. Wade stressed this isn’t the end, just a shift. “Our biggest priority,” he said, “is to provide a way that we can continue to offer them services.”

What’s Moving, What’s Staying

Behind the scenes, there’s been a flurry of planning between HomewardBound, United Way of Mesa County, and other partners. The mission? Keep services running — and reachable.

A new location right next to HomewardBound’s North Avenue shelter will serve as a hub for critical services. Think case management, health services, and everyday support. North Avenue itself will shoulder more responsibility too.

Guests will still be able to:

• Take showers

• Store belongings safely

• Connect with staff for ongoing assistance

That’s a big relief for some, especially those who have no other place to turn for hygiene or stability. But not everyone is covered — at least not yet.

Distribution Day In Limbo

One critical piece of the puzzle remains unsolved: Mutual Aid Partners’ weekly Distribution Day.

This popular event gives out clothes, hygiene kits, snacks, and other essentials to people who fall through the cracks of traditional programs. And right now? It has no home.

“We’re still looking,” said Wade. “But we’re hopeful.”

Hope is key here — but logistics matter too. The absence of a fixed site threatens to pause or scale back a service that some rely on more than any other. For them, a missing Tuesday might mean no socks, no toothpaste, no protein for the week.

The hope is that in the coming months, a community-wide solution will emerge. But that window is closing fast.

Timeline for Key Changes

Let’s break down what’s happening and when:

That June 16 disassembly date is firm, Wade confirmed. After that, there will be no pavilion at the Ute Ave location. Just memories — and hopefully, progress elsewhere.

A Temporary Fix or Long-Term Reboot?

The bigger question now looming over the nonprofits is this: Is this patchwork plan going to hold?

Right now, the shift to North Avenue is being treated as a stopgap — a temporary lifeline while longer-term solutions are worked out.

Some worry this will become the new normal.

Others see an opportunity to rethink how services are offered. Maybe smaller, more distributed access points instead of a centralized hub. Maybe closer collaboration with city officials and healthcare providers.

For now, though, it’s mostly guesswork.

Wade remains cautiously optimistic. “We hope this next solution gives us a few months to come to a community consensus,” he said.

One thing’s for sure: the urgency is real. People don’t stop needing help just because buildings shift.

What’s at Stake for Grand Junction

The Resource Center isn’t just about physical services. It’s a symbol. A visible commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in Mesa County.

Disrupt that, and ripple effects follow. Some residents have voiced concerns about increased street homelessness or loitering if support networks weaken.

On the flip side, there’s been praise for the proactive coordination between nonprofits. Few cities act this quickly when a major shelter starts closing. That, in itself, is no small thing.

But good intentions can only go so far without money, staff, and space.

So far, HomewardBound, United Way, and Mutual Aid Partners are holding the line. But it’s a tightrope — and the next few months will show whether Grand Junction finds balance, or slips.