Mesa County assistance programs.

Organizations and resources that can help pay bills and provide aid

There are several places people can turn to in Mesa County to get help. They include the groups below.

Food assistance:

• The Grand Junction Community Food Bank - This is possibly the largest local food pantry in the area, and it serves families and individuals in Mesa County. They provide food assistance to over 2,000 people per month. This Food Bank distributes food to people in need from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The warehouse is located at 486 Morning Glory Lane, and you can call them at 243-0551.
   
• The Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies - This organization provides free and discounted food to many panties in the region, and they can also direct people to local resources if they are in need of food aid.
   
• The Salvation Army - Volunteers and staff at this group have provided clothing to almost 300 people per month, and have also passed out about 250 food boxes each month to people in need. The Mesa Salvation Army is located at 1235 N. Fourth St. (242-7513)

Rent and housing assistance:

• Grand Valley Catholic Outreach - This group provides money for rent and housing expenses to as many people as possible. The need for housing help is growing as a result of the weak economy, and demand for the organizations services has increased greatly. They provide rental assistance to stop evictions, and help about 65 families per month. In addition, they offer a soup kitchen that provides about 6,000 meals per month. They are located at 245 S. First St., Grand Junction 81501, and the phone number is 241-3658.

Heating and energy bill assistance:

• Mesa County and Grand Junction residents can get help from the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). This federal government funded program provides grants to Colorado residents to help them pay their winter utility bills. People can apply for this program annually from November 1 to March 31. The LEAP program also offers a free energy and heating bill Crisis Intervention Program, which allots grants that can be used to to replace or repair broken furnaces and furnaces that are health hazards, and the money can also be used to replace or repair broken windows.