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Parking Lot Hotels Serve Homeless

Posted by: Nate Berg
Thanks to: Cate Miller
22 May 2008 - 5:00am

An outreach counseling group in Santa Barbara, California, has worked with the city to set up 12 parking lots where people can sleep in their cars at night -- an act that is illegal on city streets.

"There are 12 parking lots across Santa Barbara that have been set up to accommodate the growing middle-class homelessness. These lots are believed to be part of the first program of its kind in the United States, according to organizers."

"The lots open at 7 p.m. and close at 7 a.m. and are run by New Beginnings Counseling Center, a homeless outreach organization."

"It is illegal for people in California to sleep in their cars on streets. New Beginnings worked with the city to allow the parking lots as a safe place for the homeless to sleep in their vehicles without being harassed by people on the streets or ticketed by police."

"Harvey stays at the city's only parking lot for women. "This is very safe, and that's why I feel very comfortable," she said."

Full Story: Mom forced to live in car with dogs
Source: CNN, May 20, 2008
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