Amid triple-digit temperatures, the City of Chico's only cooling center has been offering meals and aid to residents in need. The center is run by Safe Space, which partners with local churches to use their buildings to provide emergency shelter during the heat.
"It's not just for people who don't have homes. It's for anyone that needs to cool down," said Safe Space Shelter Operations mManager Marin Hambley. "Sometimes I come. The A/C at my house sucks, and I'll come here and sit and chat with people and cool off."
"I find here in Safe Space … a place for me to be able to relax without having to look over my shoulder."— AJ
In addition to cooling, Safe Space also offers meals, showers and activities to people using the site.
"Today, for example, we have a presentation from public health," Hambley said. "Other activities have been simple ones like video games or movies. We also have assistance with bikes."
Hambley says the activities are through Safe Space's Radical Resilience program, which helps unhoused residents build community, learn important skills and have fun together. Previous activities include group rock painting, or visiting a T-shirt printing shop.
A man who asked NSPR to be identified as AJ said the cooling center gives him and his 18-year-old niece a safe place to stay and socialize.
"The only social gatherings you can normally find for people that are homeless are boozing out together, where you numb your sorrows away," he said. "I find here in Safe Space … a place for me to be able to relax without having to look over my shoulder."
The cooling center rotates between several church locations every two weeks or so. Hambley says the group is in need of more cooling center volunteers, as well as food donations for humans and dogs.
Chico’s cooling center schedule
Hours 1- 8 p.m., daily
Hope Commons Church
July 14-27
1184 East Ave.
Faith Lutheran Church
July 28-Aug 9
667 E. 1st Ave.
Cornerstone Church
Aug 10-18
1294 N. Cedar St.
