Community Steps In to Keep Grand Junction Shelter Open After Funding Loss Bray Cares Foundation and Local Donors Rally to Support Homeward Bound
Amid rainy weather on October 10th, Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley announced that its North Avenue Overnight Shelter would be forced to close during the weekends after a significant funding loss, the news created immediate concern across Mesa County.
“Due to the generosity and initiative of one of our agents, who stepped up with a significant contribution, and due to the urgency of the situation, a call for funds went out internally, which resulted in the Bray Cares Foundation being able to put up a $20,000 match for this effort.”- said Michelle Urlacher, President of Bray Real Estate
A Rapid, Cooperative Funding Response
Within just a couple days, an outpour of support emerged from employees and agents at Bray Real Estate, outside organizations, businesses, and individuals, resulting in total donations of $60,000 and counting by Friday morning.
“We all make a living serving those that have a means, this is not just an opportunity for us to serve those without means, but an imperative of our community to ensure the shelter remains open through the cold winter months.”- Said Darah Galvin, on behalf of the Bray Cares Foundation.
Homeward Bound’s North Avenue shelter provides overnight housing, meals, hygiene access, and basic human care for an estimated 140 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡. Without intervention, the shutdown will displace vulnerable residents onto the street during peak need.
Contributions came from:
· Local business partners: FCI Constructors, HBA of Western Colorado and its members, Alpine Bank, Raven Plumbing & Heating, SHAW Construction, Chapparal West Inc, Builders First Source, BOA Builders, North Peak Construction
· Employees and agents from within Bray Real Estate
· Independent community donors
“This is what Western Colorado does best when there is a need, people come forth to support those less fortunate,” said Tedi Gillespie with the Western Colorado Community Foundation.
Bridging the Gap But Not the Finish Line
Bray Cares Foundation is grateful to all these donors who have contributed over $60,000 and counting for Homeward Bound in the last few days. A generous donor has also offered to match donations to Homeward Bound up to $75,000, which will further amplify the impact of the Bray Cares donation.
A Call to Action
The Bray Cares Foundation and its funding partners encourage individuals and organizations to participate in closing the remaining gap.
Donations may be made by check to Bray Cares Foundation/WCCF, add Homeward Bound in subject line and mail to the Bray office at 1015 N. 7th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501 or online through WCCF or directly to Homeward Bound.
About Bray Cares Foundation
The Bray Cares Foundation is a donor-advised fund that operates under the umbrella of the Western Colorado Community Foundation and with a purpose of supporting housing needs in Mesa County.
