CHICO — Chico’s emergency non-congregate housing site began its operations Monday, opening for the first time as a result of the Warren v. Chico settlement agreement.
The site, composed of 177 microshelters from the company Pallet, opened at 7:30 a.m. Monday.
The first occupant was at the site by 11 a.m.
The first walks in started coming to the site between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., but they were turned away. Shelter staff asked where people were living and said one of the city’s Outreach and Engagement team members would reach out to do the sign up.
Jesus Center Director Amber Abney-Bass said the Outreach and Engagement team would be visiting more than 15 locations Monday to begin registering people for the shelter site.
The housing site provides much-needed permanent housing to unhoused individuals or those at-risk of homelessness.
It is operated by the Jesus Center to provide non-mandated mental health and career services alongside the Butte County Department of Employment and Social Services and Department of Behavioral Health.
The site is designed to be low-barrier meaning admission will not require sobriety, drug testing, credit checks or identification.
The project is set to last five years as required by the terms of the settlement.
Services provided
Butte County Department of Behavioral Health and the Department of Employment and Social Services will have offices on site to meet occupants.
The microshelters at the site are manufactured by Pallet and include two beds which fold up, HVAC, power outlets, lighting with four locking windows and a locking door.
The Jesus Center will provide one meal a day, light refreshments through the day and water.
Security staff will be on site 24/7 provided by Armed Guard Private Security.
Occupants will have the opportunity to have a 10 minute shower and do laundry with services provided by Haven of Hope on Wheels.
Early sign up
People who are interested in entering the housing site must obtain a referral from the city’s Outreach and Engagement team in the field, a member of Chico Police Target Team or a member of the housing site’s staff.
Walk-ins are currently not permitted. Housing site staff will determine if a walk-in should be permitted under emergency circumstances.
Outreach and Engagement staff hired by the city visit homeless campsites to meet and evaluate individuals’ needs for housing.
Staff are trained to provide trauma-informed care and to recognize when a homeless person may have a mental health condition.
The site rules and expectations will be update upon the Warren v. Chico hearing on dispute resolution Thursday, April 28.
