Safe Parking Program in San Diego

We all know that homelessness has been and still is a huge epidemic happening in San Diego County. Unfortunately, there is a newer type of homelessness that most do not know about; the working homeless. Being employed and being homeless is nothing new to so many and is an ongoing and growing problem in San Diego as well as across America.

Dreams for Change Safe Parking Program: San Diego

Imagine the sun is setting on another normal workday, most people are getting off work and heading to their homes. However, for some citizens of San Diego, the workday is far from over. Finding a safe place to park for the night is extremely challenging for San Diegans due to the strict parking laws regulating overnight parking on city streets in San Diego and its surrounding areas.

For most people, their vehicles are used for transportation to work, school, and recreational activities only. Sadly, for others, their cars are also their homes, safe havens, and one of their last personal assets. Safety, privacy, and dignity are all important factors in everyone’s lives, but these people living in their vehicles risk all of this and more every single day.

Vandalism, as well as personal safety, are major concerns in the lives of these families and individuals. Break-ins and theft are everyday worries that most of us do not even think about in our daily routine. Most people are reluctant to report these break-ins or vandalism to authorities in fear of getting ticketed, losing their parking spot, or losing their homes all together by having their vehicle towed and impounded.

Fortunately, there is hope, refuge, and resources for these families and individuals.

Photo Credit: REUTERS/Joe Skipper

Our Safe Parking Program has been stepping up and helping people through San Diego County with two Safe Parking locations available. Not only are we providing a safe and secure place for individuals and families to park for the night, but we are also helping people with making plans for their futures. Whether it’s assisting them with finding permanent housing or helping them with workforce development, we are making huge strides to better the San Diego community.

We are currently helping more than 70 people with our Safe Parking Program and have helped more than 3,500 individuals and families since 2010.