Parking Programs by State
Arkansas
California
- Alameda County
- The Alameda County Safe Parking program in San Leandro, at the Fairmont Campus, offers local community members who are experiencing homelessness with a safe place to park at night and a place to park during the day that isn’t in local neighborhoods, opportunities to engage with resources and services, and a stable community where they can begin to reconnect with their informal support network. To participate in the 24 hour safe parking program participants must register by calling 510-593-4660
- The Village of Love Safe Parking Program: The Safe Parking Program offers the unsheltered residents of Alameda, who live in their vehicles, a safe, welcoming, and secure parking lot to sleep overnight in their vehicle. To register or for more information call (510) 995-8936
- Culver City
- Nighttime Safe Park Parking Permit Program: This Program aims to provide a safe and comfortable place for people who are experiencing homelessness and living in their cars to safely park their cars at night. Call (310) 253-6767 or email safe.park@culvercity.org
- Fairfield
- Park ‘n Sleep, a service for homeless or low income folks living in their auto and who only want an un-hassled place to spend the night. Call (707) 426-2172
- Freemont
- The Safe Parking Host Site Program (SPHS) is one of many programs the Fremont City Council has recently adopted to help address homelessness in the City of Fremont. The program is designed as a safe, transitional space for individuals living in their vehicle. The program is a rotational model, with faith-based organizations across the City hosting individuals or couples on their site for one month before rotating to the next site. Email safeparking@fremont.gov or call 510-574-2222.
- Los Angeles
- HOPICS SPA6 Safe Parking Program: Provides service to single adults and families experiencing homelessness that need a safe space to park and sleep. Services include: secured space, linkages and referrals, housing support, restrooms, showers and hygiene supplies. Walk-ins are welcome. Email for more information: safeparking@hopics.org
- The City of Long Beach Safe Parking Program provides a safe, dignified environment for people currently sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight while receiving access to basic needs and being connected to services. Safe Parking is currently available at the Multi-Service Center and the South Shore Launch Ramp parking lot. please call the Multi-Service Center at (562) 570-4500 or email HomelessServices@longbeach.gov
- Long Beach City College Safe Parking Program: Long Beach City College has started an on-campus Safe Parking Program for students sleeping in their vehicles to have a convenient, safe, and secure location to stay overnight with access to wi-fi and restrooms. Showers are also available in the mornings. Sign-up Here: www.tinyurl.com/lbccsafeparking. Email Basic Needs Program Manager, Justin Mendez at jmendez@lbcc.edu.
- NDICA – National Diversity and Inclusion Cannabis Alliance Safe Parking Program:
- Glassell Park – The Program Offers: A SAFE place to stay overnight in a gated parking lot with a SECURITY guard on duty. Access to BATHROOM facilities, hygiene kits & other amenities. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for minor vehicle REPAIRS, registration/tags, insurance and driver’s license renewal for program participants. Access to MOBILE LAUNDRY TRUCK service. For More Information Please Contact: Christine At (424) 343-7752
- Westlake – The Program Offers Women And Families: A SAFE place to stay overnight in a gated parking lot with a SECURITY guard on duty. Access to BATHROOM facilities, hygiene kits & other amenities. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for minor vehicle REPAIRS, registration/tags, insurance and driver’s license renewal for program participants. Access to MOBILE LAUNDRY TRUCK service. For More Information Please Contact: Christine At (424) 343-7752
- Safe Parking LA: Safe Parking LA provides safe overnight parking to facilitate stability and housing in Los Angeles County for individuals living in their vehicles, and advocates for fair and equitable treatment and resources for the unhoused. Call (323) 210-3375 or email intakes@safeparkingla.org.
- Modesto
- Safe Parking program is a six month pilot program in partnership with Salvation Army to provide a location for safe overnight parking to people living in their vehicle. This program will offer a temporary, overnight, safe location to park for individuals and families living in a vehicle, while providing access to services that will transition them into more stable housing. The City is continuing to explore partnerships with Stanislaus County and private partners to help support the sustainability of the program after six months. Safe Parking Program Registration 209-522-3209
- Monterey County
- One Starfish Safe Parking: Clients seeking to participate in this program take part in an intake assessment to determine eligibility. Ongoing counseling is designed to identify immediate crises and establish long-term goals. Once accepted, each One Starfish guest will have 30-day access to safe overnight parking and are required to attend regular meetings with One Starfish social workers to assist in reaching the participant’s and program goals. After every 30 days, eligibility to remain in the program is assessed. EMail safeparkingprogram@gmail.com or call 831-275-5167
- Mountain View
- The City’s Safe Parking Program provides unhoused Mountain View residents a temporary, safe location to park their vehicle. Call (650) 861-0181 or email movemvemail@gmail.com
- Oakland
- ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program is designed to provide safe overnight parking for individuals and families who are living out of their cars. For general information about the Safe Car Park program contact, 510-239-6681.
- Redwood City
- LifeMoves Safe and Supportive RV Parking program provides a secure environment for families and individuals living in their oversized vehicles in Redwood City. Email ctercero@lifemoves.org or hballeza@lifemoves.org.
- Sacramento
- The City of Sacramento has launched a “Safe Parking” site in a parking lot on the southern section of Front Street. Known as South Front Street Safe Parking, the site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can host approximately 60 vehicles, depending on their sizes. The site, which is staffed around the clock, also offers port-a-potties, storage and meal access. Case managers work out of a trailer on site, offering social-services support and housing coordination. Email homelesscoordination@cityofsacramento.org.
- The City of Sacramento opened its first “safe ground” site in July of 2021 in a parking lot near W and Sixth streets in downtown Sacramento. The site, adjacent to the W/X portion of the Capital City Freeway, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can host approximately 100-150 people experiencing homelessness. The lot has two distinct spaces: One is for tent camping; the other is for safe parking for vehicles. The site, which is staffed around the clock, offers port-a-potties and cleaning stations. Case managers work out of trailers on site, providing support for mental-health needs and substance-use disorders as well as housing coordination. Email homelesscoordination@cityofsacramento.org.
- San Diego
- Jewish Family Service of San Diego: The program operates seven nights per week at five secured lots at Balboa Avenue, Aero Drive, Mission Village Drive (open 24 hours), Rose Canyon, and Encinitas. Enrollment is required for all locations. To enroll, call (858) 637-3373 or start the process online.
- San Luis Obispo
- The 40 Prado Safe Parking programs offers individuals living in their cars a safe place to park overnight at 40 Prado as well as access showers, meals, mental and physical health services, and housing case management. Call 805-458-2984 or email smundschau@capslo.org
- Santa Barbara
- New Beginnings’ Safe Parking Shelter: The program currently manages 154 spaces in 26 parking lots throughout the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, and the neighboring unincorporated areas of the county. Contact staff of our Safe Parking Program by calling (805) 963-7777 or through email at safeparking@sbnbcc.org.
- Santa Cruz
- RV SAFE PARKING: A 24 hour a day safe parking program for people who are homeless that live in RV’s. Call 831-515-8665 or email RVSAFEPARKING@THEFREEGUIDE.ORG
- SafeSpaces: The SafeSpaces program allows folks who are living out of their vehicles a safe place to park with access to sanitary facilities and other amenities. We also offer program staff to help plan their next steps to better housing. Contact Cristina Gomez-Hernandez at 831.753.8555
- Santa Rosa
- The Safe Parking Program: Given limited space, individuals identified in coordination with Catholic Charities’ Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) are currently being prioritized for placement in the program. To make or receive a referral please call 707-978-8329 or email host@srcharities.org or go to the Caritas Drop-In Center at 301 6th Street (Suite 108).
- Sebastopol
- The Community Church, with help from Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa, will be restarting our Safe Parking program. Safe Parking will allow people that have no other place to sleep, other than in their car, to stay the night in a safe environment on our church property. The program will allow up to 5 vehicles to park from 8:00pm to 8:00am. Contact Chris Change Weeks office@uccseb.org.
- Ventura
- Safe Sleep Ventura. Participants must apply for the program through the Salvation Army, and meet certain conditions to be eligible for the program. They also receive services to help give them a path out of homelessness. Guests are screened by The Salvation Army and have a case worker assigned to them. It is our intention to create a friendly, welcoming experience for all. Please schedule an appointment by calling The Salvation Army at 805-648-5032 or email luyv@liftupyourvoice.org
- Vista
- The Safe Parking Program will be opening a new lot in Vista for overnight parking August 18. This lot will have 25 parking spaces for program participants and includes onsite services through case managers, lead case managers, and program supervisors. For more information, please review our FAQ available in English and Spanish. Call (858) 637-3373 to enroll.
Colorado
- Denver
- Colorado Safe Parking Initiative: Safe overnight parking is available for families or individuals experiencing homelessness and living in a passenger vehicle in the Denver metro area. A small number of RV/camper spaces are available as well. SafeLot guests have access to bathroom facilities, housing navigation, and other services. Spaces are limited, and a permit is required for all safe parking sites. Car-Only locations are currently in Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Commerce City, Denver, Golden, and Lakewood. There are two RV locations in Broomfield. Apply: https://www.colosafeparking.org/request-a-parking-permit
- Longmont
- Hope for Longmont, SafeLot. This program supplements our navigation and street outreach programs and lays the foundation to dramatically assist a population that is isolated, yet in need. Our participants have barriers to traditional forms of shelter for numerous reasons including PTSD, pet ownership and/or are families with children. We provide a place for them to sleep safely all night in their vehicles without fear of assault or harassment. Contact Joe Meggison (Program Manager) joe@hopeforlongmont.org
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Indiana
Indianapolis
- Safe Park Indy: Safe Park Indy is a citizen-led initiative to provide safe overnight parking, basic amenities and a connection to social services for the unsheltered in Indianapolis living in their cars.
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
Albuquerque
- Safe Outdoor Spaces: A Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) provides dedicated spaces for tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), and/or light vehicles for temporary occupancy. An SOS also provides social services and support facilities for occupants.
- ABQ Opportunity Center, 715 Candelaria Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107. (505) 344-2323. Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeL2R9vMxB6rfG5cMFUakT2P1oOrVVTHe6fWqSn-_7eK7brlg/viewform
- Westside Emergency Housing Center, 7440 Jim McDowell Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87120, USA. (505) 839-9193
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
- Beaverton
- The City of Beaverton is providing a Safe Parking Program to provide a safe, legal place to park for people experiencing homelessness and living out of their vehicles. While no one should have to live in their car, providing a safe place to park can help families and individuals in this situation stabilize their lives and gain better access to services. Email safeparking@justcompassionewc.com or call 503-624-4666
- Eugene
- The Overnight and Safe Parking Programs provide legal camping, free garbage disposal, and portable restrooms to unsheltered individuals over 18 living in their vehicles. Participants may also access the Eugene Service Station, and Lindholm Social Services offices to meet their basic needs and utilize additional stabilizing resources. Call 541.461.8688.
- Redmond
- Mountain View Safe Parking is a program for individuals and families living in their cars. Call (541) 527-0028 or Email info@mvcdredmond.org. Register online: https://www.mvcdredmond.org/participants
- Salem
- SALEM SAFE PARKING NETWORK: Safe Parking sites are established in collaboration with faith communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, government offices, and private landowners. C@P provides sanitation services (restroom facilities and handwashing stations), trash pick-up, and site-management – at no cost to the host. C@P’s Safety Team monitors all sites daily and is available 24/7 to both the host’s staff and all Safe Parking participants. Email safeparking@church-at-the-park.org or call (971) 375-7491
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Dallas Fort Worth
- SAFE TO SLEEP DFW: They provide a confidential, daily monitoring parking place. You must have proof of a valid driving license, vehicle registration, and auto insurance. PHONE: 817 899 4844, EMAIL:CV@SAFETOSLEEPDFW.COM
Virginia
Washington
- Bellevue
- Newport Presbyterian Church Safe Parking Program. Contact Lois Brandt lois@loisbrandt.com
- Covington
- Covington Safe Parking, is a partnership between St. John’s and Catholic Community Services/Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington. It not only allows guests a safe place to park from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., but also connects them with case management to help meet their long-term goals, which may include securing permanent housing. please contact Andrea Mendoza at 253.893.6684 or AndreaM@sjtbcc.org
- Edmonds
- EUUC Car Camp: EUUC provides ten spaces in their parking lot for people who are living in their cars. Guests must be single women or families with minor children and are referred to them from the 211 Emergency Social Service Network, social service agencies, other faith communities and local police departments. Guests are screened, registered and given their own parking space. They can park from early evening until morning. Call (425) 778-0373.
- Everett
- Interfaith Family Shelter Cars to Housing Program: Cars to Housing serves families who are living in their vehicles. They provide safe parking and rehousing case management services. They have two safe-parking sites: (a) South Everett and (b) Central Everett. Email dblizard@interfaithwa.org or call (425) 200-5121
- Kirkland
- Lake Washington United Methodist Church Safe Parking Program.
- Safe Parking is a program for women and families living in their cars. We recognize that people who are homeless and have a vehicle face challenges in where to park their car without fear of tickets or harassment. We also recognize that homelessness can be isolating and the benefits of community and relationships can be life-transforming. Contact (425) 464-SAFE, Karina O’Malley kcfom@hotmail.com
- Redmond
- Overlake Christian Church Safe Parking Program: In order to park overnight on the church campus, OCC requires a background check and signed guidelines form. Guests cannot stay on the church campus after hours until OCC has a completed background check on file, which may take up to a week. In order to start the process, please email the Safe Parking team at safeparking@occ.org, call (425) 895-5904 or stop by the church office (located in the BACK/EAST end of the building) when open.
- Seattle
- St. John the Baptist Safe Parking ministry is a joint effort with Catholic Community Services. To qualify for the ministry, individuals are pre-screened by a case manager with Catholic Community Services. Contact Andrea Mendoza at 253-893-6684 or at AndreaM@sjtbcc.org.
- Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Road to Housing. Visit the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle main office in person at 105 14th Ave, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98122 and receive an intake packet. If you are unable to visit us in person, you may also call 206.461.3792 and request an intake packet to be sent to you via email.
- The U District Safe Lot is a program designed for people who are experiencing homelessness and using their vehicles as their primary residence. In spring 2020, UHeights opened our parking lot to host the overnight U District Safe Lot, which serves up to 10 vehicles (no RVs), provides a safe place to park, access to onsite hygiene services, and case management. Contact Shirin Subhani shirin@uheightscenter.org
- Skagit/Mount Vernon
- Overnight Safe Parking: Welcome Home Skagit is working with area churches in Mount Vernon and throughout the county by managing a year-round, overnight safe parking program to provide a place for individuals that are living in their vehicles without fear of harassment. Please contact our program manager at (360) 610-7544.
- Tacoma
- Holy Rosary Safe Parking: The site provides: Service for up to 40 individuals and/or 20 vehicles at a time. It serves families and single adults, and CCS will perform extensive background checks during their intake process. Access to food and hygiene services including shower facilities, laundry, and restrooms. 24-hour on-site management. Call (253) 383-4549.
- Vancouver
- Vancouver Safe Parking Zone: The Safe Parking Zone is an organized site where people who live in their motor vehicles can park safely. It is located at the Evergreen Transit Center (1504 N.E. 138th Avenue), in partnership with C-TRAN. Registered participants have access to restrooms (1 ADA portable toilet, 2 standard portable toilets), hand washing stations and garbage service at the Safe Parking Zone. There is no cost to register but space is limited and availability is first come, first served. To find out if space is currently available, email safeparking@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-8626 office or 360-947-6159 cell.
Washington DC
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wisconsin – Green Bay
Wise Women Gathering Place A Safe Place Parking Program.
Phone 24/7: 920-883-7202
Email: safeplace@wisewomengp.org
Studies and Articles
- Affordable housing is disappearing. So cities are designating parking lots to sleep in. Vox, Matthew Zeitlin.
- A Primer on Safe Parking Programs for People Experiencing Homelessness. Lisa Pool, MRSC, March 31, 2022.
- Homes Without Homes: An Ethno-Archeology of Vehicle Residency in Public Parking. Graham J. Pruss, Society for Applied Anthropology, Human Organization, Vol 82, No. 2, 2023
- ‘My car is my home’: the California students with nowhere to live. The Guardian, Lois Beckett.
- Safe Parking: Insights from a Review of National Programs. University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy
- Smart Practices for Safe Parking. A nationwide review of safe parking programs for people sheltering in vehicles. University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy
- Where You Go When Your Car is Home. Transfers Magazine, Issue 10 | January 2023, Madeline Brozen.
- Without parking, car and RV dwellers have nowhere to go. Street Roots, Graham Pruss.
Parking Programs FAQ
What is a Parking Program?
Parking Program areas offer a temporary off-street option for individuals and families who are using a car or RV as their primary residence. Many locations are run by Faith Based organizations in local communities and partner with other social service agencies.
Parking Program lots provide people with a safe and stable place to park their vehicles.
At many locations vehicle residents can access volunteers who can provide them with hot food and warm clothes, and on-site service providers who can link them to employment, housing, and medical services.
Qualifications to park in these safe lots vary by location. Some require participants to enroll in their social services.
Why are Parking Programs Needed?
Many vehicle residents need to stay within specific communities for health, work, and family and have no permanent place to park the vehicles they live in.
Additionally, many vehicle residents would like to transition into traditional housing and would like to benefit from the services that are often offered at these locations.
Safe Parking programs provide a safe place for vehicle residents of all kinds to park without fear of ticketing, impoundment, or discrimination.
How do I find a Parking Program?
We have compiled a list of known Parking Programs above.
Additionally, you can contact the housing authority in your local community to see if they offer Parking Programs as a part of their services for the homeless community.
How can I start a Safe Parking Program in my Community?
The Interfaith Task Force on Homelessness (ITFH) created a flyer for how to start a safe parking program: CLICK TO DOWNLOAD