Winter shelter
Seasonal refuge when being outside is dangerous.
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SAFE SPACE CHICO
Everyone belongs.
Shelter, dignity, and a path forward for our unhoused neighbors.
Compassion starts with showing up.
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Support Make Room for HopeWHAT WE DO
Care that meets the moment.
Immediate refuge and practical support, with a path toward stability.
Cooling center
A low-barrier place to cool down during extreme heat.
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Case management
Personalized coordination and support toward stability.
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Street outreach
Connecting neighbors with supplies, services, and support.
Explore programA closer look at the evidence
Five common myths about homelessness
Five familiar claims. Five research-based responses drawn from Butte County and California studies.
Myth #5
“People experiencing homelessness don’t want to work.”
44%
of unhoused Californians surveyed in a UCSF study were looking for work.
Myth #4
“Addiction is the main cause of homelessness.”
17%
of Butte County respondents identified alcohol or substance use as a contributing cause of housing loss.
Myth #3
“People who avoid shelters prefer living outside.”
25%
of unsheltered Butte County respondents cited feeling overwhelmed by crowds as a reason for not using emergency shelter.
Myth #2
“Homelessness is simply a personal choice.”
49%
of Butte County respondents identified finding affordable housing as a barrier to permanent housing.
Myth #1
“Most unhoused people in Chico came from somewhere else.”
76%
of Chico respondents were already living in Butte County when they became homeless.
1 of 5
More context — Myth #5
Employment and housing stability are not the same thing.
Source: UCSF, California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (2023). Statewide participants.
Employment or financial problems (31%) and family crises (26%) were reported more often.
Source: 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 34. Multiple responses allowed.
Another 18% cited feeling unsafe. Respondents could select more than one reason.
Source: 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 38. Unsheltered respondents only.
Another 42% cited insufficient money for rent or a deposit.
Source: 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 35. Multiple responses allowed.
In a separate question, 56% of Chico respondents reported at least 10 years of residency, including 39% with 20 years or more.
Source: 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Figs. 12–13. Separate respondent groups.
Sources, additional findings & how to read these numbers
The Point-in-Time Count is a one-night snapshot, not a count of everyone who experiences homelessness during a year. Percentages refer to the respondent groups named on each card; different questions may have different denominators. Multiple responses were allowed for some questions.
Sources: Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care, 2025 Point-in-Time Executive Summary (May 2025), Figs. 12–13, 34, 35 and 38; UCSF, California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (2023).
- Myth #5: Employment and housing stability are not the same thing. UCSF, California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (2023). Statewide participants.
- Myth #4: Employment or financial problems (31%) and family crises (26%) were reported more often. 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 34. Multiple responses allowed.
- Myth #3: Another 18% cited feeling unsafe. Respondents could select more than one reason. 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 38. Unsheltered respondents only.
- Myth #2: Another 42% cited insufficient money for rent or a deposit. 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Fig. 35. Multiple responses allowed.
- Myth #1: In a separate question, 56% of Chico respondents reported at least 10 years of residency, including 39% with 20 years or more. 2025 Butte County Point-in-Time Executive Summary, Figs. 12–13. Separate respondent groups.
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