The Safe Space Winter Shelter is gearing up for its annual winter program, which will run from December 21 to March 1. This year, the nonprofit organization has partnered with five local churches in Chico to provide expanded services for those experiencing homelessness.
New Drop-In Center and Extended Hours
The shelter will operate at Chico First Baptist Church, Hope Commons Church, Faith Lutheran Church of Chico, Chico Trinity United Methodist Church, and First Christian Chico. Guests can arrive at the nonprofit’s office at 1909 The Esplanade between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, where they will be transported to one of the partner churches for an overnight stay. This year’s program aims to keep guests warm indoors until noon the following day.
According to Chrissi Overlock, Shelter Operation Coordinator, the extended hours are designed to ease the burden on guests by ensuring they have a warm place to stay overnight. Overlock stated, “Hopefully, it will make people’s mornings easier and keep people warmer.”
After their stay, guests are invited to the Radical Resilience program at the nonprofit’s office, which operates from 8 AM to noon. This program provides snacks, device charging stations, restroom facilities, and one-on-one case management, allowing individuals to connect with support services.
Radical Resilience Program Launch
The Radical Resilience program launched in August 2024, introducing a daytime drop-in center for individuals seeking refuge from the streets. This initiative allows case managers to meet clients more effectively, as many individuals experiencing homelessness often face challenges in finding stability due to displacement.
Overlock explained the complexities faced by case managers, noting that clients are frequently instructed by police to move along while living on the street. “People living on the street move out of survival,” she said. “The Radical Resilience drop-in program gives a place to be and know that case managers are there to help them.”
The new office, which opened in October 2024, has been significantly improved to better serve the community. It features dedicated office spaces for the nonprofit’s three full-time case managers, along with a communal area where guests can eat, rest, and access essential items. Overlock emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming space, stating, “It’s a place where guests can come; they’re not being told they have to go.”
Guests can enjoy hot meals, access hygiene products, and find clothing, all while receiving support without the fear of discrimination. This inclusive environment fosters trust between case managers and clients, facilitating better engagement with necessary services.
The shelter relies heavily on volunteer support, which Overlock describes as the “heart of its organization.” The program does not impose sobriety requirements, allows couples to stay together, and welcomes pets in limited numbers. More information about the shelter, including volunteer opportunities, can be found at safespacechico.org.
