Elk Grove’s enhanced winter sanctuary opens next week, public previews facility
With its scheduled opening next week, yesterday, the city of Elk Grove held a public open house of the enhanced winter sanctuary. The facility will operate from November 1 to March 31, 2024, from the former Rite Aid drugstore on the southwest corner of Waterman Road and Elk Grove Boulevard in Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove.
The city has contracted with Roseville, Calif.-based The Gathering Inn. The facility will provide housing for 30 adults, be staffed around the clock, and offer supportive services to assist clients in securing permanent housing.
Elk Grove’s housing and public services manager, Sarah Bontrager, said 22 clients will be served upon opening and expect to reach capacity soon. In addition to the 30 single-bed cubbies, residents will have access to on-site laundry and a bathing trailer.
Additionally, clients who often have pets for security will be allowed to bring them into the facility. Three meals, some provided by faith-based and service organizations, will be available for residents.
Bontrager cited Gathering Inn’s experience managing similar facilities and providing comprehensive services to assist people in permanent housing as a factor in their selection.
“They came with a robust service plan,” Ms. Bontrager said. “They really have a lot of services they can offer.”
Before this facility, the city operated overnight warming locations to serve people without housing. However, those centers operated at various locations only opened when temperatures were forecasted below freezing or in extraordinary rainfall events.
While the winter sanctuary will offer residents several services, other organizations will continue operation. Notably, the Elk Grove United Methodist on Elk Grove Boulevard will continue operations of its showering facility.
Once the operation terminates on March 31, the city will begin the planned conversion of the facility into the Elk Grove Library. The city purchased the property two years ago for that purpose.
When the city announced the sanctuary, there was opposition from nearby residents. Those fears were addressed by Elk Grove Police, who outlined safety plans.
One person who lives within walking distance of the facility attending yesterday’s preview said he supported the facility. When asked about the facility in his neighborhood, Dan Schmitt* said, “I’m delighted.”
“If it has to be somewhere, it might as well be here,” he said. “You might as well be part of the solution.”
Those interested in volunteering at the facility should contact Meredith Adams (meredith@thegatheringinn.com) or complete the volunteer form on The Gathering Inn’s website. Many volunteer opportunities are available, from serving a meal to sharing a skill or talent.
*Dan Schmitt is a podcast contributor to Elk Grove News.
