ESP (Emergency Shelter Program)
Grand Valley Peace & Justice and the HomewardBound shelter have been partners in the Emergency Shelter Overflow Program (ESP) since the fall of 2008. At that time, the demands for space at HomewardBound began to rise as did fears that there would not be "room at the inn" during the winter months. Deeply concerned that many people would die cold and alone on the streets of Grand Junction, The Way Home Committee of Peace and Justice took on the task of organizing area churches who were willing to provide safe, warm nights of rest for single men, known to be alert, mentally stable, and substance free.
In 2008, eight churches participated in the program either offering the use of their building or volunteers to be on site overnight. Although area homeless men were at first wary about ESP, reports of the peaceful, quiet surroundings and generous volunteers began to spread; it was only a matter of time before men who had been camping out in the dead of winter began showing up at HomewardBound for screening, in hopes of participating.
Space is still at a premium at our local homeless shelter. ESP has expanded in response to the greater need hiring a staff Coordinator in April 2010. In the 2010 - 2011 ESP Season, 2,854 beds were provided for 95 unduplicated men at 15 different locations. Each site volunteers their location for a two week period of time and volunteers from each location, as well as the general public, are trained in best practices with which to welcome and serve our homeless guests. Our volunteers may come from a variety of faith backgrounds but all agree upon the right to basic human dignity for everyone.
As the 2011 - 2012 ESP Season gets underway, we welcome The Center For Independence with their volunteer hosts Western Equality to our list of sites. From the beginning, churches have answered the call to fill this gap. Now we are pleased to say that a non-faith based organization has recognized the need and responded, as well. We say thank you to all who have and are contributing to the humane treatment of our homeless neighbors, including the Grand Junction Fire Department who assists us in making certain that each location is safe and appropriate for overnight guests.
Results
Everyone involved is making a difference. How? 23 people died due to exposure to the elements the first winter that ESP operated in our community. The second winter, that number dropped to 16. Last winter, no one died cold and alone on our streets because they had nowhere to go. We are grateful to report that the loving service and collaboration of so many organizations and individuals has saved lives in our community, the community that we and our guests call home. To support the Emergency Shelter Overflow Program, please click on How You Can Help.