The Western Slope's only shelter for homeless teens launched its Guardian Renewal Campaign Thursday morning.

A local business is teaming up with 'The House' to give the community more incentive to contribute to homeless teens in Mesa County.

Guardians are individuals, businesses and organizations that pledge $100 or more annually in support of The House.

Management of Einstein Bros Bagels in Grand Junction is trying to recruit more guardians by offering a great deal in return.

This year, guardians who sign up or renew their pledge, will receive either a bagel, a bagel sandwich, or a box of bagels each week for the entire year.

According to General Manager Brian Motz, if somebody donates $100, they'll receive a free bagel each week for the year. If a guardian pledges $1,000, a free bagel sandwich will be given out each week of the year. And finally, if someone gives $10,000 to The House, they'll get a free box of bagels each week for the year in return.

On Thursday morning, KJCT spoke with the first man who stepped up to be a guardian for homeless teens in Mesa County, Hal Heath.

Heath was renewing his pledge of $1,000 to The House and shared with us why he feels it's so important to give to the non-profit organization.

"If the kids are successful they will not come back into the system later," said Heath.

"Helping them have their own self-esteem and their own life is cool, but the other deal is, if you help a kid while he's in his teenage years, then, when he's 40 or 50, he'll be giving back to the community instead of needing assistance later," Heath added.

You can mail your pledge information to to The House, P.O. Box 2837, Grand Junction, CO 81502, or sign up at http://www.thehousegj.org/.

Once you've made your pledge, you'll get a card to present at Einstein Bros Bagels to receive your weekly deal.

Motz said owners and managers of Einstein Bagel's chose to team up with The House because they were interested in supporting the youth of Mesa County.

According to officials with The House, there are over 700 Guardians in Mesa County and they are hoping to add 300 this year to make it an even 1,000.