News Briefs: Grand Junk Shun

Published August 2009 Vol. 13 Issue 7

Grand Junction saw an increase in homeless camps this year, some of them outside the usual areas along riverbanks, islands and bridges. In May, crews made up of jail inmates disposed of 15 of the camps and nine truckloads of trash in a vacant area of private property. Grand Junction Neighborhood Services, which is responsible for disposing of the camps, cites prevention of the spread of disease as the main reason for the cleanup.

The Rescue Mission of Grand Junction has 39 beds. The Homeward Bound Homeless Shelter has 87 beds during the winter months, and was just approved to increase their size to 130 beds; summer capacity is limited to 45.Homeward Bound in Grand Junction has said that more homeless people have been requesting service this year, and they have seen an increase in families with children needing help. Shelter demand in the city is outpacing supply.

—Sarah Harvey