CRYSTAL COSTA, CCOSTA@KJCT8.CO
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The homeless shelter in Grand Junction is busting at the seams. There aren't many places in the city for the homeless to go. However Thursday a new apartment complex opened up for several people to live in.
22 units at St. Benedict's Place on White Avenue are now open. They have been offered to disabled folks who are chronically homeless. Chronically homeless means they've been on the streets for at least one year.
With the help of local organizations and donors, Catholic Outreach funded the apartment complex which is completely furnished. To cover their rent, residents have to pay thirty percent of their disability check.
The Mayor, Grand Junction Police and Fire Fighters, as well as hundreds from the community came out to the dedication. Many said they were there to support the great work Catholic Outreach does and the many lives changed because of them.
Sister Karen Bland with Catholic Outreach said, "For a lot of people this is the first place they can call home for a long time."
Judy Chambers just moved in. "I always desired to have a little place with just enough stuff to get by on and not be overwhelmed. This is so perfect, the furnishings, the stuff the community has provided for this place, I'm overwhelmed." Most of the units are permanent, meaning some residents plan to stay there for the rest of their lives.
The idea for the project began in 2005. Construction started last August, and they completed it two months ahead of schedule.
Catholic Outreach also received a 104,000 dollar check Thursday from Shaw Construction, the building contractors. They will use the money for maintenance and bills for the complex.
