ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - After evaluating more than 130 potential sites, the City of Elk Grove has narrowed its search for a permanent homeless shelter to three prospective locations. City officials shared site options Jan. 7 to continue the community conversation on the shelter’s permanent home and seek additional public feedback.

“Elk Grove’s homelessness strategy is working,” said City Manager Jason Behrmann. “Elk Grove residents have told us that addressing homelessness is one of their top priorities. Building a permanent shelter is the city’s next logical step.”

The 2024 Point-in-Time count estimated that Elk Grove was home to 83 unsheltered people, or 2.1% of the county’s homeless population. The city has taken steady, progressive steps toward addressing homelessness over the past three years, starting with the opening of a seasonal Enhanced Winter Sanctuary in 2023 and then a year-round shelter at a temporary location (9499 E. Stockton Blvd.) in November 2024. With the lease at Calvary Christian Center set to expire in September 2028, the city hired NJA Architecture to begin designing and planning for a permanent shelter location in June 2025. 

“Having a shelter of our own is already making a profound impact in our community,” said Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen. “From a 65% reduction in the number of homeless encampments in our city to the individual accounts of guests who have moved into permanent housing and secured new or better jobs. It speaks volumes about the long-term importance of building a permanent shelter in Elk Grove to serve our most vulnerable residents.” 

The proposed shelter is designed to provide accommodations and services for up to 20 adults and up to four families with an additional five emergency beds. The space will also accommodate a local warming/cooling center. Like the current shelter, the future shelter will only accept guests already living in or with a connection to Elk Grove, by referral only through the city’s homeless services navigators. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Meals and services will only be provided to shelter guests.

“There can be a fair amount of apprehension when it comes to projects like a shelter, but we know that Elk Grove is a compassionate city that wants to take care of its residents who have lost their housing,” explained Housing and Public Services Program Manager Sarah Bontrager. “This project creates opportunities for safety, stability and support for Elk Grove residents that truly need our help.”

The city has conducted extensive community engagement to determine what the community feels is important for the shelter. Outreach from in-person and virtual meetings to multiple community surveys aim to incorporate community feedback at every step of the project. 

The city used data collected through this community feedback to establish siting criteria, build the conceptual design and evaluate the potential sites. Five criteria were weighted to reflect the community’s expressed priorities, which included proximity to Sensitive Uses (i.e. schools, parks, homes) at 46%; Cost and Feasibility at 18%; Proximity to Services (i.e. stores, employment opportunities, healthcare) at 14%; Safety and Security at 12% and Transportation at 10%.

These criteria were applied to more than 20 sites citywide. Of those, 10 sites were given a color-coded rating for each criterion. Using the color-coded ratings, three locations were identified as preferred options for the shelter project: 9296 E. Stockton Blvd., Survey Road and East Stockton Boulevard and Dwight Road north of Laguna Boulevard. 

What’s Next?

The city will conduct four meetings to solicit feedback from the community on its preferred location. All meetings will have the same content and will be held from 3 to 4:45 p.m. and 6 to 7:45 p.m. Jan. 21 and 27 at District56. 

The sentiment from these meetings will be shared with the City Council during its deliberations on the project, expected to happen in February. There will be an online survey option available for individuals unable to attend an in-person meeting.  

To learn more about the project or to receive project updates, or view videos describing the features of each location, visit elkgrove.gov/futureshelter.