CBI Board votes against hosting homeless on winter nights

In October, CBI was approached by Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT) to help provide overnight accommodations on very cold nights for homeless men and women who cannot utilize the Torres Shelter.

As we all know, Chico, as well as many other cities, has experienced an increase in its homeless population. Many are down on their luck, some are mentally ill or have substance abuse issues, and others have made a lifestyle choice. We are fortunate to have the Torres Shelter and the Jesus Center to help with some of the needs of this population, but they cannot handle all of them.

Currently the Torres Shelter does not admit homeless people who have pets or who are using drugs or alcohol. The Jesus Center provides showers and meals but is not an overnight shelter.

As much as we applaud the Safe Space group in trying to help by providing shelters for the extreme winter nights, CBI is not a good match as an overnight shelter for a variety of reasons. After much thoughtful discussion, soul searching, and heart wrenching conversations, it was decided not to have our synagogue involved with housing the homeless. This was not an easy decision and the full board went back and forth, but in the end we have to honor our members' concerns. We do care about the homeless situation but feel our building is not equipped to handle overnight guests. After all, we can barely keep it in running condition during the times we are open for services and programs.

Many members voiced concerns about irreplaceable religious icons, gift shop merchandise, library materials and disruption to our surrounding neighbors.

However, just because we are not willing to house the homeless does not mean that we are not willing to help. We are encouraging anyone who wants to become involved to sign up at www.chat.ivolunteer.com. There are numerous volunteer opportunities, including assisting at the overnight shelters, driving, providing supper, and preparing coffee.

We also must remember our Jewish roots and tikkun olam, repairing the world/healing the world. We need to explore other ways to lend a hand and to be involved with helping those less fortunate. CBI regularly contributes to feeding the hungry at the Torres Shelter and donating supplies and personal items. We had a hugely successful food drive during Yom Kippur, but we can always do more to help. We care, and we take the homeless situation in Chico seriously, but our facilities at this time are not equipped to become an overnight shelter.

To quote Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.”