Regional Community Foundation Funding Helps Shelters Respond to Heat Wave
July 22, 2024, Grand Junction, CO – As scorching temperatures grip the region, the Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) is stepping up to help shelters keep clients safe and manage rising cooling costs. WCCF’s Emergency Heat Response Grants are providing critical assistance to twelve organizations across three counties.
These grants address the challenges posed by extreme temperatures, including higher utility bills, water, sunscreen, and hotel nights for unsheltered families. Additionally, funds are being used to purchase cooling units for day shelters like HomewardBound’s Resource Center in Grand Junction.
Rick Smith, Executive Director of HomewardBound emphasizes the life-saving impact of these grants. “Nonprofits have limited resources and unexpected heatwaves strain our budgets,” West says. “Funding for cooling units, water, and other essentials allows us to support vulnerable families and individuals who have nowhere else to turn during extreme weather.
Other organizations receiving funding include Catholic Charities of the Western Slope, Feed My Sheep, Peace & Justice Center, Amos Supportive Housing Association, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, HomewardBound Pathway Shelter and the Resource Center, and Haven House.
About Western Colorado Community Foundation: The Western Colorado Community Foundation serves seven counties in western Colorado, managing charitable funds for community good. Currently, the Community Foundation manages over 330 charitable funds totaling almost $170 million in assets, and awards over $6.6 million in grants and scholarships annually. Visit wc-cf.org for more information.
Read more about this in the Daily Sentinel HERE
