A case study of the Safe Space Winter Shelter 2015/2016 and recommendations for moving forward

Due to current limitations in Butte County to offer shelter and services to all individuals experiencing homelessness, the Chico Housing Action Team established the Safe Space Winter Shelter, a rotating temporary shelter to house those most vulnerable to harsh winter weather. The Safe Space Winter Shelter temporarily filled a gap in service delivery in Chico, however it can also be viewed as an organizational blueprint for establishing a year-round, fixed-site, low-barrier homeless shelter. Using a mixed method quantitative-qualitative research method, common themes were identified including general experience, cohesion, organizational structure, and suggestions & recommendations. The implication of these findings is outlined and inferences to social work practice are discussed.