Hot Topics

Shelters and the city

Chico City Council votes on homeless sheltering proposals

February 11, 2021 Ken Smith News 0

Protesters on site during homeless encampment sweep Feb. 4. (Photo by Ken Smith)

During its Feb. 2 meeting, the Chico City Council boosted the continued efforts of the Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT) to provide shelter for unhoused individuals. The council approved $282,933 of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funding for CHAT, which hopes to develop the Town House Motel on the Esplanade into a non-congregate shelter with up to 30 units.

The council also decided to continue exploring turning city-owned property near the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds (currently home to Silver Dollar BMX) into a sanctioned camping area. The panel rejected (5-2, along party lines) a “safe car park” proposal (by a group called the North State Shelter Team) that would allow those living in automobiles to spend the night in designated lots.

Our content is free, but not free to produce

If you value our local news, arts and entertainment coverage, become an CN&R supporter with a one-time or recurring donation. Help us keep our reporters at work, bringing you the stories that need to be told.

Donate to CN&R

$39,584 of $6,000 raised

These donations are not tax deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit fund, the Independent Journalism Fund, please click here.