CHICO, Calif. -- Stairways, a low-barrier shelter that has served the community for decades, is closing its doors for good.

Stairways director, Michael Madieros, said he is closing Stairways because it cost too much to maintain an old property and keep a full staff on hand.

Stairways has been around for 15 years.

Stairways has served the homeless and others struggling with legal problems, mental health and addiciton. There is no sobriety requirement for housing.

Stairways provides case management, transportation to and from court and obtaining documents like birth certificates or ID's to help clients get back on their feet again.

The shelter's location is private out of respect to the clients and their needs.

Action News Now asked the Stairways' director what is next for the program's clients.

"I don't know, I don't think there's a lot of options. I don't know where they'll stay, I don't know where behavioral health will place them. I acknowledge that's going to be tough and I don't have a good answer to that, I think that's where a lot of backlash is coming from," said Madieros.

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