For folks out in Chico, California, the city’s first residential addiction treatment facility is on its way for people experiencing homelessness. Many Butte County residents struggling with substance use disorders see the arrival as a major step forward in finding local help.
The Golden State features many unique and specialized programs for people combating a vast array of chemical dependencies. The unhoused population is an especially vulnerable group, and they and city leaders welcome the incoming services at The Jesus Center.
The Jesus Center is a nonprofit that has served Chico’s homeless population for 45 years and was recently awarded more than $6.5 million from the state to build the new facility at its existing Fair Street campus. The funding comes from California’s Behavioral Health Infrastructure Program, a $1.18 billion statewide investment aimed at expanding addiction treatment options across California.
Why Addiction Treatment in Chico Has Been Hard to Access
Before this grant, Butte County had only 22 residential treatment beds available for people seeking help with substance use disorders, a number far too small to meet local demand. The new Jesus Center facility will add 16 more beds specifically for people experiencing homelessness, with 24-hour staffing and clinical oversight. The facility is expected to be completed by June 2028.
That gap in treatment access has real consequences. According to the 2025 Butte County Point in Time survey, nearly half of people experiencing homelessness in Chico reported substance use, mental health, or chronic health issues, and 17% said that alcohol or drug use directly led to their loss of housing.
The Jesus Center as a Starting Point
“For many individuals, recovery from substance use is an important step toward stability,” said Amber Abney-Bass, CEO of the Jesus Center. The new facility is designed to meet people at that critical moment by offering community reinforcement without cost being a barrier to entry.
Scott Kennelly, Director of Butte County Behavioral Health, agreed with Abney-Bass. Kennelly called the project “a major step forward for Butte County’s continuum of care.”
By pairing traditional addiction treatment like support groups and medical assistance with the Jesus Center’s existing wraparound services to meet basic necessities, the new facility offers a truly integrated path from crisis to recovery.
Finding Addiction Treatment Centers Beyond Butte County
Statewide, additional funding is supporting 66 projects that will create thousands of new treatment opportunities for people with mental health and substance use disorders across California.
Regardless of location, if you or someone you know needs help now, you don’t have to wait for new facilities to open. Addiction treatment centers near you offer a range of services, including medical detox, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and peer support. Call
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