Dozens of Fruita residents met with a panel of regional stakeholders Nov. 20 for a conversation on homelessness in the Grand Valley, and its growth in recent years.

The meeting was organized largely by Donna Holstein, a local who said she wanted to promote awareness of the issue in Fruita, where it’s less prominent than in the neighboring city of Grand Junction.

“I just wanted to bring attention to this problem, because we don’t see it out here in Fruita, we don’t,” Holstein said. “When I talk to people, they don’t know anything about it out here … I don’t think people should be living like this, they’re human beings and they should be treated as such. Getting Fruita involved is about raising awareness, volunteers, donations, anything to help.”

Panelists said the issue may soon grow mor

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