Chico is pushing forward to get homeless sheltered

The city of Chico is pushing forward down a new path to get the homeless into a shelter.

The city of chico -- pushing forward down a new path to get the homeless into a shelter... there are nearly a dozen location options on the table... action news now reporter carmela karcher is live near chico city hall..

Carmela, how soon could we see these campers find a new place to go?

I'm told once a proposal is in place& a special city council meeting will be called.

I spoke with the city manager and a nonprofit... so, what are the next steps.... the chico city council passed a motion regarding emergency shelter options for the homeless.

Originally&state building codes would only allow overnight sheltering at facilities that had proper sprinkler systems. now&chico is looking into how other cities have been handling the situation while remaining compliant.

I spoke with chico city manager mark orme&chico's city manager& about the decision.

Mark orme/chico city manager: "is there any way to work through the state of california to find a path to enabling the city to work with the nonprofits to find a location for emergency sheltering, particularly during these winter months?

Low and behold, some communications came through and there are some opportunities."

One of those nonprofit options?

Safe space.

So&why would nonprofits like this one be a good option to help?

Mark orme: "a willing desire to really help people.

That's what safe space does.

They help bring people out of a circumstance and out of an environment that isn't necessarily healthy for them to be in existence.

We've seen that happen year after year after year.

There are a lot of community partners that have the same heart."

Siana sonoquie/safe space board member: "right now, there is just so options for anyone.

I have multiple people reaching out and experiencing a housing crisis that are wanting just something to get inside.

It's such a challenge.

So, this is all really welcome news."

Mark orme: "it's wonderful to see the community like chico still being able to come together on really important issues like this."

The city's has more than 280 thousand dollars to go toward homeless shelters.

Live in chico& carmela karcher&action news now& coverage you can count on.

Thank you& carmela.

This motion on emergency shelter