Two City weather respite centers were activated more than 130 times as this past winter to support unsheltered residents, according to data from the City of Sacramento’s Department of Community Response (DCR).

Between October 2024 and March 2025, the Outreach and Engagement Center (OEC) and the North 5th Street Navigation Center provided more than 3,200 bed nights of weather respite, helping people to stay warm, dry and safe during inclement weather.

The OEC was activated 79 times for weather respite, providing a total of 2,681 bed nights to unsheltered residents—an average of 34 people per night. December’s frequent rainfall led to 20 activations, while January, one of the coldest months, saw 24 activations—reflecting near-daily use of the site.

The North 5th Street Navigation Center was activated 52 times for weather respite during the same period, resulting in 566 bed nights and serving an average of 11 people per night.

The OEC serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and others in District 2. During weather-respite activations, it can take in up to 50 additional guests without incurring extra costs to the City.

Building on its capacity of 163 beds, the North 5th Street Navigation Center, near downtown, can accommodate up to 20 additional adults during weather respite activation.

“Seasonal weather respite is a critical part of the City’s overall strategy to protect unsheltered residents during severe weather conditions,” said DCR Director Brian Pedro. “Each activation not only offers safety from the elements but also provides an opportunity to engage individuals and connect them with services that support long-term stability.”

The County of Sacramento also regularly activated weather respite centers during the cold and wet season. These included the North A Shelter and the Warren E. Thornton Youth Center Gym.

Sacramento Regional Transit worked closely with the City and County during the winter season, providing free transportation to and from respite centers.

With summer and hot temperatures arriving soon, weather-respite operations will be activated based on ongoing monitoring of forecasts from the National Weather Service, Pedro said.

For more information on the City’s weather-respite activation criteria, click here.

Learn more about the City’s comprehensive response to the homelessness crisis by clicking here.