Grand Junction Police Department

Many citizens have contacted City Council and City staff with concerns about the rising number of panhandlers in Grand Junction and ask that the City do something about it. The following information is intended to describe what the City can and can't do, highlight statistics that show that the problem is indeed growing, and what you can do to help.

What you should know about panhandling?

In the experience of most local social service agencies and the Grand Junction Police Department, many people who panhandle suffer from drug and alcohol addictions, and giving spare change only sustains those addictions. In addition, panhandlers are not always homeless. Some are individuals attempting to take advantage of Grand Junction's generosity.

What services are available to persons who are homeless?

Food: Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen, Community Food Bank, Clifton Christian Church Food Bank, Agape Food Bank

Emergency Shelter/ Transitional Housing/Low-Income Housing: Grand Junction Community Homeless Shelter, Catholic Outreach, Rescue Mission, GJ Housing Authority

Clothing: Catholic Outreach, Clifton Christian Church, The Salvation Army, Second Chance Thrift Store, Child & Migrant Services, Fruita Thrift Shop, City of Grand Junction’s annual clothing collection/give-away, and many, many more.

Access to mail/email, phones, showers & laundry: Catholic Outreach Day Center

Medical/Dental Care: Marillac Clinic

What can I do?

Instead of encouraging panhandling and the negative behavior it supports by giving cash to a roadside panhandler, donate to one of the many local social service agencies dedicated to assisting Grand Junction’s homeless, or to the United Way of Mesa County who funds most of these programs. Visit www.unitedwaymesacounty.org for more details or call them at 243-5364.

What is the City of Grand Junction doing?

The City is partnering with Mesa County, the City of Fruita, Town of Palisade, United Way of Mesa County, and non-profit agencies serving the homeless to create an educational campaign about panhandling. “Spare Change Won’t Make a Change…Don’t Give Money to Panhandlers” is the theme of the 2006-2007 Stop Panhandling Campaign. This effort encourages individuals to show their compassion and generousity by making a tax-deductible contribution to United Way of Mesa County, which funds many of our community's homeless services. By giving a donation to help the homeless in this way, your money will be directed to agencies that improve the lives of many individuals, not just the one with his or her hand out.

Last updated: December 5, 2007