Who to Call: Building a More Compassionate, Connected Downtown

When a community member is struggling, the first and most powerful thing we can do is respond with care — and connect them to the right support. Too often, people experiencing homelessness, crisis, or basic-needs shortages end up in emergency systems not because they’re dangerous, but because our community isn’t always sure who to call.

Sunshine Community and United Way Mesa County have created a simple guide to help residents reach the most appropriate resources for non-emergencies. According to the “Who to Call” one-page resource sheet DOWNTO~2, community members can turn to:

• 211 Colorado for general help and resource navigation

• United to Solve Homelessness Hotline for outreach and coordination

• 988 Lifeline for emotional distress or suicidal crisis

• Ava Health and Health Solutions West for behavioral health support

• Mutual Aid Partners for food and basic needs

• Neighbor 2 Neighbor for community mediation

• Roice Hurst Humane Society for pet-related support

The guide also reminds us to call police only when there is a true safety concern or emergency, helping reduce unnecessary law-enforcement involvement and making room for more compassionate, effective solutions.

By using these numbers and sharing them with neighbors, businesses, and friends, we can keep downtown Grand Junction safe, connected, and grounded in dignity — one informed call at a time.

DOWNTO~2.PDF

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