CHICO, Calif. - A local restaurant owner in Chico is giving what he can to help those who are helping others. 

Scott Schulman, the owner of Broadway Heights in Chico decided to donate 30 restaurant gift cards to the employees at The Torres Shelter.

The shelter recently activated a new program to help those who were moved out of the homeless encampments at local parks in Chico.

So far, about 20 people have been placed in a local hotel where they will quarantine for two weeks before entering the shelter.

Each individual will also be assigned a case manager who will help them get on the path to stability.

Many employees say they were extremely grateful for the recognition. 

"The fact that the employees are getting recognized is a big deal here. People work so hard," said worker, Janine Gomez. 

"We've seen what's going on in Chico, it's hard to watch, and anytime someone comes up with a good idea we want to support it. We thought it would be a nice way to say thanks to the people who work here and who are trying to take care of this or at least help with this problem of homelessness," said Schulman.

Schulman says despite not being able to serve people at his restaurant for dine-in, his business has still remained steady and he has been able to keep all of his employees.

"For a restaurant owner to support us during Covid, and these hard times, economically, it's overwhelming emotionally and we are so grateful," added Gomez. 

"Around homelessness, the topic is so controversial that sometimes it is hard to come to work, knowing that every day is another challenge, and just being recognized is huge, and it will go a long way," said Joy Amaro, who is the executive director for The True North Housing Alliance.

At this time the Torres Shelter is preparing to welcome the new guests in about two weeks. 

The shelter will be increasing its capacity to around 120. This will allow for about 60 new guests.