A look inside Redding's first micro-shelter community
REDDING, Calif. — Redding's first micro-shelter community is now open. And while there was celebration at the open house, there's also the acknowledgement that this had better go well.
The first two clients are settling in at the South Market Micro Shelter Community off of Mark Street. Media was asked to not be there until all eight pallet shelters are filled with five women and three men. And they have time to get comfortable.
The clients will participate in a 10-month program, at the longest, to transition them from the street to permanent housing.
RELATED | Construction on Redding's first micro-shelter community starts on Monday
"Part of the process is that each client will get an individual plan--a very structured plan. This is what you, as the individual, need to do to get ready for that next level of housing to be able to qualify and thrive in a more stable housing environment," Larry Olmstead, the presidents and CEO of United Way of Northern California, told KRCR inside the shelter community on Monday.
"It'll be a little bit of everything: from to budget, learning to pay bills on time...all aspects of just living a normal life. The tools that they may have had or have forgotten. A little bit of everything," Case Manager Rudy Lucero told KRCR.
The 64-sq.ft., single-occupant shelters are furnished with donated quilts. A hot dinner is served every day and there are snacks available. The restrooms are portable toilets a.k.a. porta-potties.
There's a shared relaxation room and another building for case management and counseling. People who toured seemed impressed.
"The units, themselves, I love how clean they are, and yet, how simple they are. But, it's inside, it's dry, it's warm and there's a bed, there's the creature comforts that you need in order to be able to have a place that you , really, can call your own. It's great," said member of the community Stephen Campbell.
This is a partnership between the United Way for Northern California, Pathways to Housing and the City of Redding.
If all goes well, more micro-shelter communities are planned at Good News Rescue Mission and Behind St. James Lutheran Church.
--
To report errors or issues with this article please email the editorial team.
