The city of Chico is attempting to close the recently opened Safe Space Winter Shelter intake center downtown.
Yesterday afternoon, the unhoused nonprofit received notice for a code of conduct violation requesting they immediately cease operations at the intake center, which is located at the former 7-Eleven on Main Street.
According to the letter, the nonprofit is in violation of zoning laws.
But Safe Space Executive Director Hilary Crosby told NSPR the operation is in compliance.
“We still believe that we're operating as a public health and emergency services need, which can fall under a temporary use code that shouldn't require a permit,” Crosby said. “But it looks like it needs to have further discussion. So that's what we're hoping to do.”
Crosby said Safe Space has been in touch with city officials to begin the zoning application process.
In the meantime, she said the shelter intends to continue services at the site, which provides indoor storage for unhoused residents’ belongings, and transports them to the churches who partner with Safe Space to provide overnight shelter.
