Serving the Grand Valley since 1946, Bray Real Estate has long given back to various organizations in the communities it serves.  In 2019, CEO, Robert Bray, and President, Lynn Thompson, decided to establish the Bray Cares Foundation.  The foundation will provide funding to programs, agencies and projects addressing housing-related needs in Mesa County.

Homelessness and access to affordable housing are major issues in Mesa County.

• The 2019 Colorado Homeless Coalition reports 291 “unhomed” individuals in Mesa County.
• School District 51 reports an average of 350+ homeless students attend district schools.
• Seniors on fixed incomes struggle to stay in their homes.
• Federal programs for Veterans do not cover temporary or emergency assistance.

The Bray Cares Foundation was established under the umbrella of Western Colorado Community Foundation as an endowed, permanent fund with a goal to grow and provide grants annually. “Supporting our Home Community” highlights Bray’s commitment to give back to its community.

Grant funding will target areas of affordable housing, housing for special population groups, and homelessness, including projects that offer rent assistance to families, help seniors stay in their homes, and those that offer veterans assistance with housing.  Organizations may apply for funding through an annual, competitive grant application process, managed by the Western Colorado Community Foundation.  The Bray Cares Foundation is committed to supporting an annual grants process with the goal of growing both the available funds and the endowment over time.

In 2019, the Bray Cares Foundation presented six nonprofits with a total of $20,500 to address housing related issues in Mesa County.  The American Red Cross, Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County, Homeward Bound of the Grand Valley, the Joseph Center, and the Karis House all received funding.

If you are interested in supporting the Bray Cares mission, please make checks payable to WCCF/Bray Cares Foundation and mail to PO Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO 81502.