City of Elk Grove to open ‘Enhanced Winter Sanctuary’ homeless shelter in Old Town on Nov. 1
The city of Elk Grove has announced plans to open a homeless shelter in Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove. Dubbed the Enhanced Winter Sanctuary, the facility will operate for five months starting November 1 and will be housed in the city-owned facility at 9260 Elk Grove Blvd., the site of a former retail outlet.
As a result of the action, the planned relocation of the Elk Grove Library located at Elk Grove Boulevard and Elk Grove-Florin Road to another Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove location appears to be temporarily halted.
During their September 25 meeting, the Elk Grove City Council will select an independent charitable organization to operate the facility as a winter homeless shelter.
The Enhanced Winter Sanctuary, the program will provide supportive services and shelter to up to 30 individuals and their pets. The homeless shelter will operate from November 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, “during the cold and rainy winter months.”
Located at 9260 Elk Grove Boulevard, the site is a former Rite Aid drug store the city purchased for $3 million in 2021 to house the Elk Grove Library.
“Elk Grove Police Department cameras and personnel will monitor the site for safety and security.”
The city of Elk Grove
Elk Grove Housing and Public Services Manager Sarah Bontrager said, “Having available shelter options for seniors and other vulnerable people experiencing homelessness provides compassionate care to those who have an especially difficult time during the winter months when weather conditions have led to deaths in other communities.”
The facility is near the proposed Oak Rose supportive housing project rejected by the city council in July 2022. The rejection of that permanent supportive housing facility led to a still-pending lawsuit filed against Elk Grove alleging violation of state fair housing laws by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The Oak Rose project generated controversy and opposition from Old Town-Historic Downtown Elk Grove residents and merchants (see video below). In response to their opposition, the city council unanimously rejected the Oak Rose project.
To alleviate fears expressed during the July 2022 Oak Rose project hearing, the press release noted facility clientele will be closely monitored and offered supportive services. The announcement noted, “The operator will enforce rules and restrictions on site that will prohibit registered sex offenders, people with serious behavioral health challenges, or those who wish to use drugs or alcohol on site. Elk Grove Police Department cameras and personnel will monitor the site for safety and security.”
Along with the Enhanced Winter Sanctuary, the city will continue operating warming centers as needed based on standards established by the Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services. The city did not say if and when the facility will be open as the library.
