Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing

San Diego’s Safe Parking Program made a significant dent in the city’s homelessness crisis, with 40 percent of program participants later transitioning into housing.

The program provides safe, secure lots where people living in their cars can park. These sites provide restrooms and other facilities and offer services to connect residents with housing and other assistance services.

As Brian Perry explains in Maui Now, “Many participants preferred safe parking over traditional shelters, citing increased safety, stability and autonomy.” Across the Pacific in Maui County, Hawaii, local leaders are pointing to the study as evidence that Safe Parking is a “best practice” for responding to the homelessness crisis and offering people services such as “ case management, employment support, housing assistance and basic amenities like restrooms and showers.”

According to the San Diego report, Safe Parking programs can provide the stability and safety that people need to seek and access permanent housing. “Researchers behind the San Diego study recommend expanding safe parking programs to operate 24/7, increasing the number of case managers and providing ongoing staff training. They also advocate for federal recognition and funding of safe parking programs as an official homelessness intervention.” Researchers point out that safe parking programs work best in conjunction with a successful social support system.