Elk Grove's communication methods on city's year-round homeless shelter skewered

Recent efforts by the city of Elk Grove on the planned forthcoming winter homeless shelter have been roundly criticized. Not only have many residents taken to social media to criticize the location, but there was an equal measure of its communication techniques. 

The city will run the homeless shelter at what is now the Calvary Christian Center at 9499 E. Stockton Blvd. No opening date was provided, but last year's winter sanctuary operated in Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove opened on November 1. 

Unlike last year's shelter on Elk Grove Boulevard, which operated on a limited-time basis, this facility will operate year-round. The city plans to utilize the shelter at this site until 2028. 

In social media posts, the city said the facility's funding is possible because of the voter-approved Measure E. Elk Grove voters approved Measure E in 2022, raising sales taxes by one percent and generating at least $23 million annually. 

The city's statement noted the homeless shelter is "Funded by Elk Grove's Measure E, the program will provide compassionate care and wrap-around services for up to 35 Elk Grove residents who may have difficulty securing housing independently."

Not surprisingly, many residents have criticized the facility's location on the city's various social media accounts. Typical were people who said the facility was too close to residential neighborhoods and that there were no nearby social services. 

Many have complained that the facility was forced on them without public input. The city was also skewered for two scheduled community outreach sessions, during which participants could visit information booths.  

The two sessions will be held at the East Stockton Boulevard location. They are on Thursday, September 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and on Monday, September 16, between noon and 1:30 p.m.

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