Safe Parking Pilot

Sheltering in vehicles is often a first stop for individuals who have been forced to leave their home, for a variety of reasons, and perhaps cannot find a new place because of limited affordable housing options. Without intervention and support, many fall deeper into homelessness and may eventually end up on the streets.

Safe parking provides many benefits including safe, legal overnight parking with restroom access, connection to additional supporting services and a caring community to be a part of while they strive to get back on their feet and into suitable, long-term housing.

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The Basics

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We are considering a one year pilot program to allow up to 7 cars to park overnight in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church.
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Guests would apply to be a part of the program. The application process would include a background check for any persons who will be in the vehicle while on property- no drop in, no unknown guests.
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Guests must also provide proof of registration and insurance for the participating vehicle.
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The pilot would function one month on, one month off- alternating months with another site currently in conversation with their neighbors.
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Every participant will have access to case management through our partners as they find sustainable housing solutions. They will have access to day sites and meals through our partners as well.
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Overnight is defined as 7pm to 7am. Guests would be expected to use a “leave no trace” model.
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Seven parking spaces would be identified for use. Each spot would have a sign designating it for use by a specific participant.
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Restroom facilities and a washing station would be positioned in a discreet area and fully fenced in. The fencing would have a keypad for access so only guests can access it. It would be serviced regularly for cleanliness.
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Each participating vehicle will have a decal that matches their designated spot. Security cameras will be installed in the program area and monitored overnight by the Catholic Charities staff.
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Electrical outlets would be installed at each space to allow for electric blankets on cool evenings. Should temperatures drop below safe levels, guests would make use of emergency shelters provided by our partners.
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The pilot would be in partnership with Catholic Charities and the Family Housing Network

Process

As we allow this process to be guided conversation, we have not fixed any dates or deadlines- instead we have a desired order for our engagement.

1- Neighbor Engagement

2- Congregational Engagement

3- Neighbor Update: Where?

4- City Process

5- Infrastructure Updates

6- Neighbor Updates: When?

7- Applications Open for Guests

8- Pilot Program Begins

9- Neighbor Engagement: after First Week with guests

Possible Location

We are considering 3 different locations for the 7 parking spots. As we have conversations we are listening for wisdom around key questions such as:

What are the possible impacts for our guests and neighbors in each possible location?

Staying in touch.

We will be sending updates as we move through each phase of our discernment process. If you’d like to receive such updates, please use this form so we can include you.