UPDATE: The nonprofit Safe Space Winter Shelter has just announced the launch of its vital winter shelter program, running from December 21 to March 1. This year, an extended service will provide guests with increased morning hours at a new drop-in center, enhancing support for those in need during the harsh winter months.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. daily, shelter guests can arrive at the back of the nonprofit’s office located at 1909 The Esplanade. A shuttle will transport them to one of five partnering churches, including Chico First Baptist Church and Hope Commons Church, where they can stay overnight. This initiative aims to keep vulnerable individuals warm and sheltered during the cold nights.
In an interview earlier today, Shelter Operation Coordinator Chrissi Overlock emphasized the importance of this program. Guests will now have the opportunity to stay indoors from 5:30 p.m. until noon the following day, significantly easing their morning routines and ensuring they remain warm overnight.
Following their stay, guests are encouraged to participate in the Radical Resilience program, which operates from 8 a.m. to noon. This program offers snacks, device charging, and one-on-one case management, providing essential support for those experiencing homelessness.
The Safe Space Winter Shelter has also expanded its services with a new drop-in center that opened earlier this year. This initiative allows guests to stay from noon to 4 p.m. on weekdays, offering a safe haven and a meeting point for case managers, who often struggle to connect with clients living on the streets.
Overlock stated, “People living on the street move out of survival. The Radical Resilience drop-in program gives them a place to be and know that case managers are there to help.” The new office space has undergone significant improvements, creating a welcoming environment where individuals can access hot meals, hygiene supplies, and rest without fear of discrimination.
“This is a place where guests can come; they’re not being told they have to go. They know that there’s support here,” Overlock added, highlighting the critical role that community volunteers play in operating the shelter.
Safe Space Winter Shelter maintains inclusive policies, allowing couples to stay together and pets to be welcomed in limited numbers. As the winter season approaches, the need for volunteers is more urgent than ever. Interested individuals can find more information and sign up at safespacechico.org.
With the cold weather fast approaching, the Safe Space Winter Shelter’s expanded services are set to make a profound difference in the lives of many in the Chico community. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this essential initiative.
