ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The city of Elk Grove hosted an open house-style meeting Aug. 20 at the Elk Grove Library, 8900 Elk Grove Blvd., to begin planning for a permanent homeless shelter.

The event was the first of three meetings where residents can help shape the shelter’s design and guide the project’s vision.

The city’s current year-round shelter operates out of Calvary Christian Center on East Stockton Boulevard. With the lease ending in October 2028, the housing and public services department is gathering community feedback for the future shelter.

 

Funding from Measure E, which residents approved in 2022, will be used toward the shelter. This one-cent local sales tax aims to help address homelessness, maintain parks, and combat youth crime and gang prevention, among other services that help the community. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Nine stations were set up with boards displaying information and images of potential shelter features, including health and wellness, safety and security, recovery, education, job training and a project timeline. Attendees used green and red stickers to show which concepts they supported or opposed. Notecards were also available for written comments.

The proposed layout includes shared and private spaces, on-site services such as housing navigation, job placement support and mental health care. Plans call for 20 beds, four family units and five emergency beds. The shelter would operate with 24/7 staffing and be available through a referral-only program.

City staff and officials, such as Elk Grove City Manager Jason Behrmann, attended to discuss the project with residents. Funding will come from Measure E, a one-cent local sales tax approved by voters in 2022 to address homelessness, maintain parks and support other community services.

 

The three-part community meeting series is part of the project’s Phase 1, focusing on the program and concept, with Phase 2 focusing on the site selection process. The new permanent shelter is expected to be completed by 2029. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Resident Nancy Heifferon raised concerns at the event about transportation, noting mobility challenges faced by many unhoused individuals. She also emphasized the need for resources to help people overcome their situations. 

Housing and Public Services Manager Sarah Bontrager said the meetings aim to ensure the shelter reflects community priorities.

“We’re asking residents what services they want to see, what types of amenities, design and aesthetic, what feels right for our community,” Bontrager said.

 

The first of three meetings for community feedback was held at the Elk Grove Library on Aug. 20 and was an open house-style event where attendees could leave comments, discuss concerns with city officials and vote on different concepts and services. Photo courtesy of City of Elk Grove

She noted that feedback will guide both site and building design, adding that purchasing an existing building is an option as well.

The project is in its first phase, focused on programming and concepts. The second phase will cover site selection. The permanent shelter is expected to be completed by 2029.

The next meeting, “Community Conversation,” will be held virtually at 1 p.m. Sept. 6 at elkgrove.gov/longtermshelter.

The final meeting, “Imagine the Space,” will be in person at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at the District 56 community center (8230 Civic Center Drive).