CHICO, Calif. — The Jesus Center has been awarded more than $6.5 million from the State of California to establish Butte County’s first substance use disorder residential treatment facility for individuals experiencing homelessness. This funding is part of the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Program, which is a $1.18 billion investment aiming to expand behavioral health treatment capacity across the state.
The 2025 Butte County Point in Time survey found that nearly half of the people experiencing homelessness in Chico reported substance use, mental health, or chronic health issues, or any combination of the three; and 17% of respondents in Butte County reported that alcohol or drug use led to their loss of housing.
The Jesus Center proposed facility will be built at their existing Fair Street campus, and will provide 16 residential substance use disorder treatment beds for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing a structured recovery environment with 24-hour staffing and clinical oversight. This initiative addresses a critical need in our community, as Butte County currently has only 22 residential treatment beds for those seeking help with substance use disorders. The additional beds and recovery-oriented focus of this new facility will provide an easier path forward for those seeking to heal from substance use addictions.
“Homelessness is complex, and lasting solutions require a whole-person approach,” said Amber Abney-Bass, Jesus Center CEO. “For many individuals, recovery from substance use is an important step toward stability. By creating spaces where people can pursue healing while surrounded by supportive relationships and stable housing, we can help individuals move from crisis toward lasting transformation.”
The project has received strong community support from various organizations across Butte County. Scott Kennelly, Director of Butte County Behavioral Health, highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “This project represents a major step forward for Butte County’s continuum of care. By adding residential treatment to their integrated service model, The Jesus Center can now offer immediate, high-level care to individuals experiencing homelessness, without funding serving as a barrier. This partnership ensures that the moment someone is ready for recovery, the right level of support is available to them right where they are.”
Expected competition of this new facility is June 2028. Statewide, BHCIP funding will support 66 projects, creating thousands of new treatment opportunities for those with mental health and substance use disorders. You can see all funded project proposals across the State of California here.
For 45 years, the Jesus Center has been a cornerstone of the community in providing support and services to those experiencing homelessness. For more information on the center’s other programs and services, or for volunteer opportunities, visit their website here.