BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - Safe Space Partnered with local churches this winter season to help prevent homeless people from freezing overnight.
Volunteers set up the nightly winter program at the First Christian Church in Chico.
Safe Space shelters 70 people per night at rotating local churches. The program's mission is to keep the homeless from freezing to death.
Safe Space President, Angela Mclaughlin, said it's not uncommon. In fact, three people died last year.
Action News Now as the pastor at First Christian Church, if any Camp Fire evacuees were using this program.
"I don't know and the thing is we don't care," Pastor Jesse Kearns said. "Because the shelter is open for anybody whether they've been displaced by a fire or whether they've been without a roof for a long time. We are a welcoming opening space and that's what makes this a low barrier shelter."
"It's going to be very cold this week in fact I got my hat and extra clothes that keep me warm," Patrick Gorman said, he's been utilizing Safe Space since December. "And at the safe space it's warm, you get a couple blankets and you're a done deal and the mat's we get to use are comfortable."
The program runs from December to March, but with charity fatigue, Mclaughlin said some churches haven't been able to lend space. So, the program may end early this year.
Safe Space is always looking for volunteers. For more information on how to volunteer, CLICK HERE.
