Genesis shelter operator reports third-year update; city outlines outreach and cleanup figures

The city received a third-year operational update on the Genesis alternate-site shelter (Eaton/Cohasset site) from Public Works and the site operator, The Jesus Center. Public Works Director Eric Gustafson and The Jesus Center’s executive director, Amber Abney Bass, described the shelter as a low-barrier, behavior-based operation with on-site case management and partner services.

Genesis snapshot and operations Gustafson said the site opened in April 2022 and is a non-congregate shelter that has served hundreds of people across three years. The site operator reported there are 77 non-congregate units and said the site typically supports roughly 200 people nightly (operators also reported about 100 dogs present on average during peak occupancy in the most recent year). The site operator emphasized on-site services: weekly visits by behavioral-health teams, a mobile medical unit, benefits eligibility workers, and housing navigators. The site now operates in-sourced laundry and shower services (moved from contracted services) and has expanded shower hours.

Encampment cleanup and outreach Public Works reported 2024 totals for city-initiated cleanups: about 2,740 cubic yards of material removed (roughly 418 tons). Year-to-date cleanup numbers were lower but ongoing. Site operators and outreach staff said a majority of people who occupy public encampments have previously received assessments and offers of services; staff called this a continuing challenge because some residents are service-resistant.

Housing exits and outcomes The Jesus Center reported 34 exits to housing from Genesis over three years (about 12% of those who used Genesis), and compared those outcomes with other programs the Jesus Center operates (shelter and renewal programs) to illustrate that longer-term or structured programs produce higher housing-exit rates. The operator emphasized that the Genesis model is low-barrier, has no required length of stay, and that case management uptake is lower there than in longer-term programs.

Council reaction and next steps Council members asked for continued focus on the alternate site and for improved management at the alt site (additional case management, regular cleaning and enforcement of site expectations). Staff said they will pursue layering additional management at the alternate site, continuing encampment outreach, and pursuing grant and local funding where appropriate. The city noted it remains in compliance with the Warren v. City of Chico settlement terms for site operation.

Ending The presentation emphasized the operational trade-offs of a low-barrier shelter and the need for sustained outreach and coordinated services to reduce encampments and increase housing exits; staff will refine operations and continue monthly/annual reporting.