An emergency housing micro shelter community that was being managed by the United Way of Northern California behind the RABA Facility off South Market Street has been discontinued. It opened in 2023 in cooperation with the City of Redding, and was the first such community effort north of Butte County. It operated under a “housing first, low-barrier” model that allowed small pets and had no requirements for sobriety or income. 32 people were served by the project. 21 of them successfully moved on to permanent housing, 11 entered substance use disorder recovery and 13 reconnected with family members. It was followed by two other micro-shelter sites in Redding. United Way staff in Redding has either adapted to remote work or transitioned to Hill Country Community Clinic. Some programs are still maintained, including the 211 helpline that directs callers to the local services they’re seeking. Donations are needed more than ever at norcalunitedway.org.
-Steve Gibson