What can they do?
More recently, City and County ordinances have not allowed unhoused people to camp along the river or other open spaces like parks or business properties. If they do so, police have the authority to “evict” them without being able to advise them of a place that they can legally camp or spend the night. The first action by the police is to give warnings and fine them. After that it is prison. Even on public lands, there are camping bans or only short term (ranging from 4 nights max 2 weeks) stays allowed. The negative effects of disruption is experienced by most of them. Some have died due to medical problems or cold.
Transportation remains a problem. A few of the unhoused have vehicles, some have a motorcycle, others have bicycles. Many have nothing but their feet.
Other challenges include what to do with personal belongings. Often these represent all that they possess. How do they store them or find ways to transport them from place to place? For some, dogs are extremely important. They are companions and form strong bonds with their owners. They provide emotional support and, thus, help with mental states. However, the existence of a dog in downtown neighborhoods creates fear in the minds of other residents. Currently, there are no facilities in Montrose which allow dogs to be left for a period of time in a fenced environment with water available. In the winter nights temperatures can easily reach below zero, to say nothing of snow, rain and other external factors. For those with vehicles or tents, this is still difficult, but many only have a sleeping bag and no shelter. Right now, there is estimated to be 280 unhoused people residing in the Montrose area. We can’t help all of them, but we can help the ones that we seek to serve and make their lives better, by providing the services outlined under the heading of services. Everyone is different, with different backgrounds and needs but all are human beings in need of love and assistance. Please help us and become part of the solution.
Where are we now
Looking forward to the next winter season and beyond, it is very apparent that for us to continue serving the homeless residents that rely on us, we have to secure substantial income. Although we plan to seek funds from grantors and local sources, we always need help from people who see what we do as vitally important. For the Christian population, this work is clearly stated and proposed in the Bible. For the secular community, it is a fundamental responsibility to help those less fortunate.
Although it is true to say that a portion (very small) of the unhoused community actually choose to live this way, the majority would like to improve their lifestyle. It is also true that many of these people have become addicted to different forms of injected relief. But it is also true that the majority come from a background of insecurity, abuse and rejection. Of these, many are in desperate need of mental attention. Several have inherited physical or mental disabilities; some severe. Most have special needs. Some are Vets having served multiple overseas tours including combat. Then there is ADHD and PTSD. Many have severe mental or physical handicaps. Others have no IDs or Social Security assistance or have no idea of the whereabouts of relatives. Several have had their vehicles or campers confiscated by law enforcement authorities because that could not afford to pay the license fee or have parked in public areas for longer than is permitted. Some are very sick. Some have been incarcerated many times. Some even have degrees but find themselves unable to operate in normal daily life. Some are younger individuals who cling on to an older person for assistance. These individuals include women (occasionally with a child). In recent moths it has become apparent that many of the unhoused are older people. This, in itself, creates more challenges regarding health and caring, including supervision of arrangements of medical appointments and associated transportation. Motivating these individuals is a huge task as is helping to lift them out of depression. Some just don’t know what to do.
How we operate
MLI has, until very recently, been an all-volunteer organization with no salaried employees. However, a per diem stipend is paid to three volunteers who supervise the dorm operations during the 14 hour night, period, drive the van for dorm transportation and assist with food operations per night. They are not, necessarily, the same people each night. Some are Vets.
In early 2025, the board felt it necessary to hire a facilities manager to handle a growing set of other complex issues. This position, (although still fulfilling the original duties), was formally elevated in April 2025 to that of executive director, with more responsibilities and financial authorizations.
Also, in 2025, it became necessary to provide workman’s compensation for those involved with the overnight stays and also, because of safety reasons, maintain shifts of two people instead of one. Board liability insurance also became a necessity.
See “services” to view what is offered.