Interim Housing (Alternative Housing Options)

Interim Housing is a term currently embraced by numerous organizations, the housing sector, and government agencies to categorize shelter types such as sanctioned camping, safe parking, and interim shelters. These facilities are not intended to be permanent structures and may not be mandated to comply with building codes. The emergence of Interim Housing models is a response to the escalating issue of homelessness in many communities, offering temporary solutions to shelter needs.

Distinct from traditional congregate shelters, Interim Housing models gained prominence during the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. They proved to provide more privacy, support, and health safety, addressing the shortcomings experienced by congregate shelters during outbreaks.

While Interim Housing is at times interchangeably referred to as "transitional housing," the two terms carry nuanced differences. Transitional housing primarily denotes programmatic goals and supportive services designed to serve as a bridge between temporary and permanent housing. This concept encompasses shared housing, congregate or non-congregate shelters, domestic violence housing, and various other brick-and-mortar structures. While Interim Housing can indeed function as transitional housing, the inverse is not necessarily true, as transitional housing may manifest in diverse forms beyond the scope of Interim Housing.

The unhoused population in Grand Junction has surged by approximately 43%, totaling around 2300 individuals since 2019. Although not all are currently living on the streets, this number is expected to rise due to escalating housing costs. The challenges associated with the rising cost of permanent housing structures and the extended construction timelines have propelled interim housing into a prominent topic of discussion within the community.

As part of the ongoing Zoning & Development Code (ZDC) Re-write process (2022-2023) and the Unhoused Needs Assessment, the community recognizes that Interim Housing could play a crucial role in the housing continuum. Presently, it is not a shelter type permitted under the existing Zoning and Development Code. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the Development Code Committee has acknowledged the need for broader community input and discussion before formulating detailed recommendations.

Responding to community and committee input, the City has extended the contract with Clarion Associates, the consultants overseeing the ZDC rewrite, to facilitate the process and provide recommendations. To ensure a comprehensive approach, a working group has been established, consisting of diverse members such as business professionals, non-profit executives, individuals with lived experiences of houselessness, representatives from faith-based organizations, and others.

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