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Haven House Nears Goal To Buy Property, Keep Shelter Open

Haven House
Haven House

The future of a transitional housing program for homeless families on the Western Slope is uncertain. 

Haven House needs to raise $345,000 by Friday to buy the property where it operates. 

The shelter opened in Olathe four years ago. It has 30 units where homeless families and individuals can stay for an extended period.

"Certainly between Grand Junction and Durango there is nothing like it," Larry Fredericksen, the president of the nonprofit faith-based shelter, said.

"I think what really is unique about Haven House is its child development program," he said. "Almost a third of our budget is devoted to serving the children of homeless families."

Fredericksen said the organization provides guidance, counseling and personal development programs for people staying there. He said the aim of the program is to help families become self-sufficient.

However, Haven House doesn’t own the complex it operates. It rents from the Montrose County Housing Authority.

Two weeks ago, the housing authority told the organization it sold the property.

Fredericksen said Haven House does have the option to buy the site if it can come up with the cash.

"So what we are trying to do is come up with the $345,000 to match the buyer’s offer and we have until Friday to do that," he said.

Fredericksen said the organization has raised more $300,000 in donations and loans since the beginning of the month.

He said he's optimistic Haven House will meet its goal. However, if the shelter can’t, he thinks a deal can be worked out with the new owner to continue services.

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