After evaluating more than 130 potential locations, the city narrowed its search to three sites.
ELK GROVE, Calif. — Elk Grove residents gathered Wednesday at District56 on Civic Center Dr. to weigh in on where the city should build a permanent homeless shelter, part of a series of meetings aimed at gathering community input before officials decide next steps.
The city says the lease at Calvary Christian Center, the current shelter site, expires in September 2028. In preparation, Elk Grove hired an architect in June 2025 to begin designing and planning a permanent location. Before narrowing down sites, the city surveyed about 655 residents to understand their priorities.
“And far and away, they said that the most important thing to them was the shelter’s proximity to sensitive uses. So they would prefer it to be further away from schools, parks, homes, and other community uses,” said Sarah Bontrager, the city’s housing and public services manager.
After evaluating more than 130 potential locations, the city narrowed its search to three sites: 9296 East Stockton Blvd., Survey Road and East Stockton Boulevard, and Dwight Road north of Laguna Boulevard.
City leaders say the meetings are designed to give residents a voice in the process. Some attendees said they appreciated the opportunity to be heard.
“My mindset is to try to help people,” said Alfreda Stephens, an Elk Grove resident.
For Glenn Hough, another resident, the city’s transparency stood out, along with one specific location.
“More of a neutral location, more amenities. More like community focus. I don’t think it’s a good idea to like totally isolate these shelters,” Hough said, referring to the 9296 East Stockton Blvd. site.
City Manager Jason Behrmann said that feedback is exactly why the city is holding the meetings.
“Our goal is to make sure that people understand the impacts are going to be addressed and mitigated and that we’re going to provide a safe, welcoming environment,” Behrmann said.
Behrmann also said the proposed shelter would be referral-only and not open to walk-ins.
“This is unique and addressing the needs of Elk Grove. This is not meant to address regional needs or Sacramento or Sacramento County,” he said.
Not everyone left feeling reassured. Some residents shared concerns about safety and long-term oversight.
“I just truly believe a lot of them are on drugs that are not helping themselves,” said William Hooks, an Elk Grove resident.
“The first thing that went through my mind was the safety of my children, said Matthew Monaghan, who lives in Laguna West.
Monaghan said the Dwight Road location feels too close to home and questioned how future city leaders would handle enforcement and oversight years down the line.
“What’s going to happen five years from now, 10 years from now when you have a different police chief, you have a different council and you have a different city manager?” Monaghan said.
Even with disagreements, city officials say residents want to see real solutions. The City Council is scheduled to meet Feb. 11 to decide next steps for the project. Before then, two more community input meetings are planned at District 56 on January 27th at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The city says online public comment will also be available starting Thursday through the project website.
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