The Chico City Council voted Tuesday night to declare a shelter crisis in a 4-3 vote. The proposal gives the Butte Countywide Homeless Continuum of Care $4.9 million in one-time funding to divide among community organizations for programs that combat homelessness.
    A shelter crisis means that the council has made a finding that the number of individuals without shelter has reached critical levels.
           “It’s a tiny amount of money,” council member Andrew Coolidge said. “It’s certainly a step in the right direction; it’s a small step.”
Other members of the council saw it as promoting homelessness.
           “Build it and they will come,” council member Mark Sorensen said. “When all the cities accept this (money), the problem will grow.”
To receive funding, organizations must fill out an application.
“This is an opportunity for anyone to step up,” said Jennifer Griggs, Continuum of Care director.