Seasonal Shelter Services
Safe Space provides life-saving seasonal support through our Cooling Centers in the summer and our Warming Overnight Shelters in the winter.
When extreme temperatures hit, unsheltered community members are at serious risk. Our Cooling Center offers a safe, air-conditioned space during hot days, along with water, snacks, restrooms, and compassionate support. In the colder months, our Warming Shelters open nightly to provide warm beds, hot meals, and a welcoming place to rest out of the elements.
Both programs are low-barrier, volunteer-powered, and grounded in mutual aid. No one should have to face dangerous weather alone—and thanks to our community, they don’t have to.
Since 2013, Safe Space Overnight Winter Shelter has provided immediate, accessible shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly during the extreme winter months.
Each winter, Safe Space operates a low-barrier Overnight Winter Shelter to provide warmth, safety, and dignity during the coldest months of the year.
From December through March, we partner with local religious organizations who generously open their doors on a rotating basis, allowing us to host shelter at different locations every two weeks. This collaboration enables us to provide consistent, overnight shelter for individuals who would otherwise be exposed to life-threatening winter conditions. Guests are welcomed with compassion, offered a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, and connections to supportive services.
Our Winter Shelter is coordinated by our Shelter Operations Managers (ShOp), trained staff, and a dedicated team of volunteers. Together, they ensure that each night runs smoothly—from transporting and securely storing guests’ belongings to setting up sleeping spaces and offering emotional support. The Winter Shelter is a true community effort, powered by people who believe everyone deserves warmth and safety, no matter the season.
Due to extreme summer temperatures, Safe Space has operated a local cooling center in Chico since 2021. .
Each summer, extreme heat puts our unhoused neighbors and vulnerable community members at serious risk of heat-related illness or death. In response, Safe Space activates a daytime Cooling Center from July to mid-August, offering a safe, air-conditioned environment where guests can rest, rehydrate, and escape the dangerous heat. We provide cold water, ice, snacks, restrooms, and a welcoming space staffed by trained volunteers who are ready to help.
This vital program is made possible through strong collaboration with the City of Chico, 211 Butte County, and our network of community partners and donors. By pooling resources and working together, we ensure that basic, life-saving relief is available during the hottest part of the year. The Cooling Center is also a great entry point for new volunteers to get involved, meet our team, and support our mission of compassionate, low-barrier care.