The nonprofit Safe Space Winter Shelter is enhancing its services for the upcoming winter season, operating from December 21 to March 1. This year, the shelter has increased its morning hours and introduced a new drop-in center to better accommodate those in need.
Expanded Shelter Services and Partnerships
The winter shelter will operate in partnership with five local churches: Chico First Baptist Church, Hope Commons Church, Faith Lutheran Church of Chico, Chico Trinity United Methodist Church, and First Christian Chico. Guests can check in at the nonprofit’s office located at 1909 The Esplanade between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., after which a shuttle will transport them to one of the churches for overnight accommodations.
According to Chrissi Overlock, Shelter Operation Coordinator, this year’s program will allow guests to stay warm indoors from 5:30 p.m. until noon the following day. This extended timeframe aims to make mornings easier for individuals seeking shelter. Overlock expressed hope that the changes will provide a more comfortable experience for those in need.
Support and Resources for Guests
After spending the night, guests are encouraged to participate in the Radical Resilience program, which operates from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the nonprofit’s office. This program offers snacks, device charging stations, restroom facilities, and one-on-one case management services. The office, which opened in August 2024, has become a critical resource for individuals living on the streets.
Overlock noted that the primary challenge for case managers is maintaining contact with clients, who often face restrictions on where they can stay. She emphasized that the drop-in program provides a stable environment where clients know they can receive support. “People living on the street move out of survival,” Overlock stated. “This program gives them a place to be and ensures that case managers are available to help.”
Significant improvements have been made to the new office, including dedicated spaces for the nonprofit’s three full-time case managers and a communal area where clients can relax, eat, and access necessities. Overlock highlighted the importance of this space, stating, “It’s a place where guests can come; they’re not being told they have to go.” The facility provides hot meals, clothing, and personal hygiene items, ensuring guests feel welcome and supported.
The winter shelter initiative, which operates primarily on volunteer support, relies heavily on community involvement. Overlock described volunteers as the “heart of the organization,” emphasizing their critical role in providing services. The shelter has no sobriety requirements, allowing couples to stay together and welcoming pets in limited numbers.
For more information about the shelter and opportunities to volunteer, please visit safespacechico.org.
