In Grand Junction, Colorado, unpredictable weather can be life-threatening for those without shelter. As temperatures plummet, non-profits and faith-based organizations are stepping in to provide warmth, safety, and resources for the unhoused community. With winter storms bringing freezing temperatures and high winds, these groups are adapting their efforts to meet growing demands.

Expanding Capacity in Critical Conditions

When the weather turns brutal, shelters like Homewardbound of the Grand Valley take immediate action.

“We look at the weather and say maybe we should let the capacity be a little larger or maybe we should let people use the indoor restrooms because of the weather,” said Bill Wade, Chair Emeritus for Homewardbound.

But even with these adjustments, space remains an issue. The need for shelter consistently outpaces availability, forcing organizations to find creative solutions to keep people warm.

The Role of Faith-Based Groups in Emergency Shelter

Grand Junction’s local churches and religious organizations play a critical role in providing emergency shelter when temperatures drop.

• Many churches open their doors to offer warm spaces overnight.
• Volunteers step in to provide meals, blankets, and basic necessities.
• Community members donate winter gear to ensure people have coats, gloves, and hats.

Wade emphasized that collaboration between non-profits and religious groups is key to addressing emergency shelter needs. “The trick is to have a measured approach to it, and we’re lucky in Grand Junction that the churches and other communities of faith step up when needed,” he said.

The Future of the Resource Center

The city is actively discussing long-term solutions for unhoused residents. While the Resource Center has been vital in offering support services, its future remains uncertain.

“I really believe in my heart of hearts that the city will find another place where we can do this kind of combined service together,” Wade said. “We need to make it more focused on services—more classrooms, less just hangout space. We want to provide a safe space, but also make sure people are on a track to move out of homelessness if they can.”

One major challenge? The Resource Center was never meant to function as an overnight shelter. With demand surging, officials are searching for alternative solutions to meet immediate housing needs.

Plans for Short-Term Housing Solutions

Despite ongoing challenges, new initiatives are already in motion to offer short-term housing options. The Mesa County Collaborative for the Unhoused is leading efforts to provide interim housing.

“We got the code written last year here in Grand Junction,” Wade explained. “Hopefully, we will have some of those short-term safe space interim housing options in the next year.”

The goal is to create structured environments where people can access support services while working toward stable housing. Officials hope these short-term solutions will serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residences.