86 people now at city’s Pallet shelter

More than half the new occupants have reportedly used the services available

The city continues progress towards enforcing its anticamping ordinance by ending Friday with a total of 86 people living at Chico’s emergency noncongregate housing site.

Housing site service provider and Jesus Center Director Amber Abney-Bass said 82 people were at the housing site Friday morning and she expected an additional six occupants by the end of Friday.

“We’re continuing to find ways to get some other folks who have expressed interest that are not part of enforcement,” Abney-Bass said.

Abney-Bass said people have been getting used to living at the housing site and — aside from site staff “settling disputes” between residents — no police officers have been called nor has an incident risen to have the need to involve police.

Abney-Bass reported that more than half of the occupants at the site have engaged in at least one case management session. The site is hiring a second full time case manager to keep with demand.

The site is also looking to bring on a veterinarian in partnership with the Chico Animal Shelter to bring education to dog owners on using muzzles which are required by the housing site’s code of conduct.