I have lived in Butte County for nearly 50 years and have had periods of homelessness, renting, caretaking and (currently) home ownership. During the past two years I have volunteered at nearby Safe Space winter shelters and enjoyed my interactions with both guests and other volunteers. The guests include elderly people and disabled as well as people that need extra social services. Safe Space is doing what it can to fill the gaps, but more is needed to provide people who don't have a home with daytime shelter, shower and laundry facilities. I would like to see Safe Space settle into a permanent, centrally located facility with funds for staff. Every city seems to have a growing homeless population as housing costs escalate and wages stagnate. Safe Space is great but needs more community support to thrive and to make Chico a cleaner, safer place for us all. I am optimistic that with community support I will be able to give 5 stars soon! read more

Safe Space Winter Shelter is trying to open a permanent low barrier drug shelter in Chico. The staff is not trained properly and neither are volunteers. There has been drug use in the bathrooms. There is no connections to clinical services. They don't check IDs and have allowed sex offenders and people high with warrants. This shelter is not safe. I volunteered there and witnessed an assault. I was told by the board and the shelter lead to ignore it and do nothing. It was scary. Safe Space has had so many complaints that a neighborhood watch meeting had to be set up to tell Safe Space they were causing havok in the neighborhood. This agency also lies about so much it's really alarming. I have been harassed by the "management" for speaking out about my concerns. No I do not recommend Safe Space. It should be shut down for endangering people and then sweeping it under the rug. read more

Safe Space Winter Shelter is outstanding! This is a much needed and valued all volunteer group of dedicated citizens doing their part to alleviate suffering for those without a roof in Chico. My family members and friends have volunteered our time over the past 2 years and are proud to be involved with such compassionate, caring souls. I look forward to continuing my work with this group as they expand their efforts to include a day center and increased services for the clients. For many, access to a secure place to store belongings, restroom facilities, laundry facilities, a known safe place to sleep, and assistance to secure permanent housing, among other services, will go a long way to stabilizing their lives so they can move forward . read more

Thank goodness there are people that care enough to volunteer their time to provide low barrier shelter to those so down on their luck they can't get into the other shelters. Clients get a meal, access to bathrooms and a clean bed and pillow. They and their belongings (stored separately) are watched over and cared for by these volunteers which gets them off the streets during harsh Winter weather and saves lives! Bless the volunteers at Safe Soace for making a difference in our community. read more

I first worked with Safe Space as a vendor and then later as a volunteer. In both capacities I've always found Safe Space to be a professional and capable organization. The staff, volunteers and guests have been great to work with. I want to commend all of the shelter's workers for being able to keep a productive and positive attitude in such a criticized and maligned, but completely necessary, field of work. People like this make Chico a great place to live. read more

I have volunteered with Safe Space Winter Shelter and am very impressed with the hard work and dedication of the team! It is a huge effort and over the years that have become a very efficient and effective operation. All parties are professional and responsidble. Clients are treated with respect and compassion in a safe environment. Very impressive and vital community asset. read more