Elk Grove to host community meetings ahead of enhanced winter sanctuary’s opening next month

The city of Elk Grove will host meetings for community members to learn about the enhanced winter sanctuary that will begin operating next month.

Residents will have an opportunity to gain further knowledge of the temporary shelter during the city’s listening and learning sessions with The Gathering Inn’s management team.

The first meeting is scheduled between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Monday; a second meeting is planned from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26. Both meetings will be at sanctuary, a former Rite Aid location located at 9260 Elk Grove Blvd.

The City Council voted Sept. 27 to enter a consulting contract with The Gathering Inn, a Placer County-based homelessness nonprofit. The city will rely on the organization to manage the temporary homeless shelters.

The enhanced space will be opened from Nov. 1 to March 31.

“At the meeting, residents will have an opportunity to meet the management team, ask questions and learn more about the program,” said Elk Grove city manager Jason Behrmann.

During the meetings, residents will get a “first-hand” look at the space. They will be informed on the safety measures and precautions for the shelter’s residences as well as the surrounding community.

The shelter location was approved as a temporary site by Elk Grove City Council on Sept. 5. The understanding was that the site would eventually be the future new home of a library with construction slated for mid-2024.

For more information about the program and the meetings, visit elkgrovecity.org/sanctuary.