Mesa County leaders address challenges at unhoused resource center and site relocation

The City Council of Grand Junction convened on March 17, 2025, in the auditorium to address pressing community issues, particularly concerning the local resource center for the unhoused. The meeting featured a series of discussions focused on the effectiveness of the current model and its implications for the surrounding neighborhoods.

The session began with community member Rob expressing concerns about the resource center's performance since its opening. He noted a slight decline in usage since December, followed by a recent upswing, but emphasized that the current model is not functioning effectively. Rob urged the council not to relocate the center to a different neighborhood without addressing the underlying issues, warning that simply moving a failing model could exacerbate problems in residential areas. He highlighted the unique challenges faced by his industrial neighborhood, suggesting that the resource center's impact on local crime and community stress must be carefully considered.

Following Rob, Scott Aker, chair of the Mesa County collaboration for the unhoused, addressed the council. He represented a coalition of 14 organizations involved in homeless services and affordable housing. Aker acknowledged the complexity of the situation and the need for a reevaluation of the resource center's location and operations. He proposed a 30-day extension to allow for further planning, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in site selection and program design. Aker's remarks underscored the necessity for a collaborative approach to address the challenges faced by the unhoused population.

PJ McGovern, a long-time Main Street property manager, was next to speak, although his comments were not fully captured in the transcript. The meeting continued with additional speakers, indicating a strong community interest in the future of the resource center and its impact on the city.

In conclusion, the City Council's workshop highlighted significant community concerns regarding the resource center for the unhoused. The discussions revealed a consensus on the need for a thorough evaluation of the current model and a collaborative effort to develop a more effective solution. The council is expected to consider the proposed extension and engage further with community stakeholders to address these pressing issues.