Audience Told 'This is Not a Soup Kitchen' During Elk Grove's Permanent Homeless Shelter Meeting
There are two more sessions scheduled for Tuesday, January 27.
The City of Elk Grove held the first of four information sessions yesterday afternoon at District56 on the selection and operation of a permanent homeless shelter. The city has identified three sites for the facility (see video below for the three sites).
The afternoon session drew over 100 people who heard presentations from Elk Grove City Manager Jason Behrmann, Housing and Public Services Manager Saran Bontrager, and Community Development Director Christopher Jordan. The facility is being built based on surveys conducted by the city and the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) in the lead-up to the 2022 approval of the Measure E sales tax hike.
The voter-approved one-percent Measure E sales tax increase will raise at least $23 million annually, with proceeds shared by the city and the CCSD. Elk Grove residents said in the surveys that they wanted a portion of the new revenue used to address the city's homeless population.
During their presentations, Berhmann and Bontrager emphasized that the facility will continue their wrap-around client services that have been part of the city's existing homeless shelter services. Individuals will need a referral to services and must have ties to the community to access them.
As she explained the requirements for clients to receive services at the facility, Bontrager emphasized that the shelter does not offer walk-up services.
"This is not a soup kitchen, it is a comprehensive program for folks," Ms. Bontrager said. "As Jason [Behrmann] mentioned, it will not look like a homeless shelter from the outside."
The 30-minute presentation (see audio below) was peppered with audience interactions. Those questions and comments were primarily complaints about the city's current shelter operation at the Calvary Christian Center on East Stockton Boulevard.
After the presentations, participants were invited to attend breakout sessions covering issues such as site feasibility, and safety and security. By far, the safety and security session drew the most interest.
Even though the city has identified three sites for the facility, it has not entered into purchase negotiations with the property owners. The site selection process could be complicated or delayed during talks between the city and the property owners.
Along with this afternoon's session, there was another session last night. There are two more sessions scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, with sessions from 3 to 4:40 p.m. and from 6 to 7:40 p.m.
