United Way of Mesa County is expanding its United to Solve Homelessness initiative through a three-pronged approach to address the growing needs of the unhoused population and the community at large.

The expansion includes the launch of a centralized homelessness hotline, a new mobile outreach van, and the release of the 2025 ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), according to a news release.

“United to Solve Homelessness is about aligning compassion with action,” said Faith Rodriguez, executive director of United Way of Mesa County. “We’re bringing together tools, data and direct outreach to make meaningful progress, not just manage homelessness, but truly solve it.”

Homelessness Hotline Now Live

A dedicated hotline is now available for individuals’ experiencing homelessness and local businesses seeking support. The hotline serves as a vital connection point for accessing resources, reporting concerns and coordinating services with community partners. It ensures timely responses and reduces barriers for those in crisis while offering businesses a constructive way to engage and assist.

The hotline number is 970-773-7230.

Mobile Outreach Van Serves Encampments

United Way of Mesa County has purchased and deployed a mobile outreach van to bring essential supplies and services directly to homeless encampments and isolated individuals. Outreach teams will distribute water, hygiene kits, food and first aid, while also offering case management and connections to housing and health services.

United Way of Mesa County is collaborating with the City of Grand Junction Neighbor 2 Neighbor team as well as service providers from multiple organizations to ensure the outreach is effective and well-rounded.

“This outreach van is a game-changer,” said Philip Masters, services and outreach coordinator. “It allows us to meet people where they are, literally. Building trust and delivering care in the field is essential for helping people move from crisis to stability.”

ALICE Report Details Economic Struggles

The newly released ALICE Report provides critical insight into the number of Mesa County residents who are working yet still unable to afford basic needs such as housing, childcare, food, transportation and healthcare. These “working poor” households, classified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE), represent a growing population at risk of homelessness.

The ALICE Report moves beyond traditional poverty measures, such as the federal poverty level, offering county-by-county data that reveals the broader financial challenges many households experience. This data reflects Colorado’s current financial landscape and serves as a valuable tool for United Way organizations and their partners to identify gaps in support, address systemic barriers and work toward building a more resilient and equitable Mesa County.

For more information and to see the report for each ZIP code in Mesa County go to the United Way of Mesa County website at www.unitedwaymesacounty.org.

Get More Information

For more information, to access resources, or to support the initiative, please visit www.unitedwaymesacounty.org or call the new hotline at 970-773-7230.