This year is different.

Typically at this time, we would be rallying support for our winter sanctuary program. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is making us rethink the services this year. So, instead of the overnight shelter Citrus Heights HART will be providing a winter respite center/warming center for our unhoused neighbors. Find our more information below.

Whats the plan?

We are a group of faith communities in Citrus Heights who provide respite and warmth for men & women who are experiencing homelessness in our area during the cold months of winter. This year we plan to operate 5 weeks- Monday, January 4, 2021 through Friday, February 5, 2021. Additional weeks could be added if additional Host locations volunteer. Each day our guests will be invited to arrive between 10am – 2pm at the Host site for that week. At the Host site - after a brief registration process and review of behavior guidelines - guests will be offered a hot meal, hot beverages, snacks plus a meal to-go. Guests will have access to different service providers from Sacramento Self Help Housing, CH Animal Control, the Citrus Heights Homeless Navigator, health care workers, haircuts, clothing, hygiene products, charging stations for electronic items etc. Guests will be able to rest and warm up, access services, eat, use the restrooms, in a safe environment. Guests are offered a to-go meal as they depart at Noon.

At least one day each week, the Citrus Heights Navigator will visit each Host, housing counselors from Sacramento Self-Help Housing will offer services, and a member of American Legion will also be available to offer help to veterans, medical services may be available, free cell phone sign ups, haircuts etc. We will let you know ahead of time which night they will be coming to your site. As other services of this kind become available, we will also offer them.

I’d like to go to respite center, where do I go?

Jan 4-8 Week 1 - Advent Lutheran Church 5901 San Juan Ave Citrus Heights CA 95610

Jan 11-15 Week 2 - Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church 5839 Dewey Dr. Citrus Heights CA 95621

Jan 18-22 Week 3 - Antelope Road Christian Fellowship 7951 Antelope Rd. Citrus Heights CA 95610

Jan 25-29 Week 4 - Holy Family Catholic Church7817 Old Auburn Rd. Citrus Heights CA 95610

Feb 1-5 Week 5 - LDS Church, Citrus Heights Stake At Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church 5839 Dewey Drive Citrus Heights CA 95621

A note about health and safety.

All required health and safety practices will be implemented and enforced at all locations for all guests and volunteers. This includes temperature and symptom screening, masks, collecting contact tracing information, social distancing, cleaning and sanitizing procedures for all areas.

Interested in hosting?

Congregations are asked to provide a warm space with seating and tables for the guests. Plus, space for guests to sleep/rest on cots, if they like. We also ask for a corner of the room to accommodate women guests with a partition, if available. Guest attendance # will be determined by each Host location. We ask that you provide a hot meal for breakfast that can be served as guests arrive throughout the morning. Hot beverages like coffee, hot cocoa, tea, and milk, water can be offered. Plus, a bagged to-go meal. Please leave cleaning supplies out for volunteers to use for cleanup- tidying, general pick up of trash, sanitizing all surfaces and restrooms. Contact ihronicek@gmail.com for more information about becoming a host site.

Interested in volunteering?

Interested in helping our with the respite center? WE are in need of volunteers to help with intake and monitor the center. Please view the sign up sheet below. This year, we have partnered with Hand on Sacramento to make signing up to volunteer easy! Check out the link here for more information and a sign up sheet: Sign Up HERE Please contact ihronicek@gmail.com with any questions. Thanks in advance!

Join us 3rd Tuesday each month at 6 pm at LDS Church meeting room located at 8956 Oak Ave, Citrus Heights, CA.

July 20th
Aug 17th
Sep 21st
Oct 19th
Nov 16th
Dec 15th (if needed)

Host Churches needed! Please call Irene Hronicek 916-220-3615 or email ihronicek@gmail.com for details and information.

We plan to operate the overnight Winter Sanctuary starting December 26, 2021 thru March 5, 2022. We are thankful to the churches that have already said "yes" to opening their doors to men and women suffering from homelessness during the cold winter months.