Welcome to Safe Space Chico
A radically low-barrier shelter serving Chico, California.
At Safe Space Winter Shelter Inc., we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to rest—no exceptions.
As Chico’s lowest-barrier emergency shelter, we offer seasonal, overnight refuge to individuals experiencing homelessness, without judgment and red tape. You won’t find breathalyzers or background checks here. Instead, you’ll find warmth, dignity, and community.
We operate under a “come as you are” philosophy, meaning:
No sobriety requirements
Couples can stay together
Pets are welcome (in limited numbers)
Everyone is treated with care and respect
What matters to us is behavior, not circumstance. Our only expectation is that all guests follow a simple code of conduct to keep the space safe for everyone.
Shelter by the Community, for the Community
We’re a volunteer-powered nonprofit built on compassion and collaboration. Each season, local congregations and community centers rotate as host sites, opening their doors for one or two weeks at a time. Volunteers show up nightly to register guests, serve meals, provide basic care, and create a welcoming environment where people can simply breathe, rest, and be.
We are not just a shelter—we are a movement for radical hospitality. Together, we meet people where they are and walk beside them, one night at a time.
Warmth. Safety. Support. Winter Shelter Opens Dec 21.
Safe Space Winter Shelter provides a warm, safe, low-barrier place for our unhoused neighbors during the coldest months of the year. From December 21st through March 1st, guests can come to 1909 Esplanade between 5:30–6:30 PM each night to receive a referral, meet with staff, manage belongings, and access transportation to shelter intake. We’re here to offer dignity, compassion, and connection when it’s needed most.
