Wolk announces $1 million grant for shelter in Woodland

Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter for mentally ill breaks ground next month

Emergency Housing and Assistance Program Capital Development (EHAPCD) deferred loan funds totaling $1 million were granted to the Yolo Community Care Continuum (YCCC) for the construction of a 14-bed, 5,600-square foot shelter at 580 Kentucky Avenue in Woodland. The Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter will serve individuals experiencing a psychiatric crisis.

YCCC, a non-profit agency that has provided community-based programs in Yolo County for over 20 years, currently runs a temporary shelter by the same name. The new shelter will add 8 beds, handicap access, and a private room for counseling.

“Safe Harbor will provide needed shelter and rehabilitation for our community’s mentally ill,” said Wolk. “This grant has given these vulnerable members of society another sanctuary where they can get the help they need.”

“This grant is really a great cause for celebration,” said Kate Hutchinson, executive director of YCCC. “We have been raising funds for this project for over 5 years, and we’ve had tremendous community support… There’s a tremendous need for Safe Harbor. Without these types of services, these individuals would either be homeless or hospitalized. The services also provide a cost savings to the county and are more convenient for our clients.”

YCCC will help contribute the remainder of the approximately $2.3 billion required to build the Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter—along with the cities of Woodland and Davis, and Yolo County. The group plans to break ground on the project next month, finishing in April of next year.

Funding for the Safe Harbor shelter is part of approximately $40 million in EHAPCD funds scheduled to be awarded statewide in 2004-2005. The monies were made available by the passage of the $ 2.1 billion Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2002, which aims to provide emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing for homeless individuals and families.