Two public meetings are scheduled to discuss interim housing in Grand Junction, including regulations, potential locations, site designs and management.

The City of Grand Junction has scheduled a virtual meeting for 6 p.m. April 10. An in-person open house style meeting is set for 5 p.m. April 18 at the Lincoln Park Barn located  at 910 N. 12th St.

At the public meetings, city staff will share information gathered by the interim housing work group about successful programs in which temporary shelters and parking sites are thoughtfully and safely managed.

Interim housing describes different types of temporary shelters for those who are unhoused — either chronically or temporarily. This can include safe outdoor spaces, areas for vehicle parking and interim shelters. These shelters aren’t meant to be permanent buildings, but serve as safe interim housing locations until permanent housing can be identified.

The group is comprised of business leaders, the executives of nonprofit organizations, representatives from faith communities, service providers and individuals who’ve experienced being unhoused. The group also includes city staff, including members of the police and fire departments.

“The interim housing work group has done a great deal of research into options that are working well in other communities across Colorado as well as in other states,” said Tamra Allen, community development director for the City of Grand Junction. “We have reached out to programs with a proven track record of success for their insight as to best practices, management processes and safety protocols.”

“We would model any program we develop after those that are proving to assist in transitioning people out of homelessness,” Allen said. “The model programs being reviewed are those sites managed by service providers who, in addition to access to restrooms and showers, can also offer resources, housing navigation and referrals for their personal or household needs, while ensuring effective oversight.”

More information about interim housing is available on EngageGJ.org/Interim-Housing. The project page on EngageGJ.org acts as an interactive platform that enables people to participate in the discussion while also providing comments about interim housing code development and opportunities.