Today Mayor Todd Gloria underscored the importance of expanding successful options like the City of San Diego’s Safe Parking Program to help address homelessness. The program’s capacity is set to nearly double with the planned H Barracks site opening next year and current operations reveal a high success rate of individuals connected to housing. Since opening in April 2023, the Rose Canyon Safe Parking Lot has seen 67% of program participants moving into more stable living situations or secure housing. The Safe Parking Program has four locations with the capacity for approximately 220 vehicles, and the Rose Canyon site has a particular focus on families, with a dozen RV trailers provided specifically for them to use.  

The City also announced a solicitation issued today through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to continue the Safe Parking Program, including a new parking lot site that will accommodate up to 200 standard and oversized vehicles for overnight use. 

“Safe Parking serves a high percentage of people experiencing homelessness for the first time – often people with steady jobs or seniors on fixed income who fell on hard times and need a little help to get back on their feet,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This program has proved instrumental in giving these folks the support to stabilize and avoid chronic homelessness, and my administration will continue to invest in this vital option as we simultaneously work to address our housing shortage and make rent more affordable.” 

According to the most recent Point in Time Count, which surveys those experiencing homelessness annually, the number of San Diegans sleeping in their cars across the county increased by 44% compared to the previous year – underscoring the need for additional safe options. The City’s four Safe Parking locations are operated by nonprofit Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego. Participants work with case managers to create individual housing goals, with restrooms, housing navigation, mental health services and job training as some of the programs features.  

In total, the City’s four Safe Parking sites have served more than 5,200 individuals since the program was launched in 2018. Since taking office, Mayor Gloria expanded one site to 24 hours and opened the Rose Canyon site. 

“Our goal has always been to help our Safe Parking guests move forward to secure housing while also providing them with a dignified space to temporarily live out of their vehicles,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “Our high success rate results from our commitment to personalized case management – connecting guests with a multitude of supportive services and resources – which helps these individuals and families thrive.”  

Hopkins highlighted the vital role volunteers play in making programs like the Rose Canyon lot a success. Shortly after opening in 2023 a group of retired teachers led by University City resident Rita Shafer started a monthly meal service, food pantry and birthday celebrations for the families staying at the site. 

When she was previously interviewed about her volunteer efforts, Shafer explained why her group decided to help. 

“Have you seen those cute faces of those little children? You just couldn't not come back,” Shafer said. “Those children are adorable and also, they’re our neighbors. We live in University City, five miles away, these are our neighbors and they need us. They need help. They’re moving up, this is not a permanent place for them, they are moving forward.”   

Individuals interested in preparing or serving meals for Safe Parking residents can reach out to safeparkingdinners@jfssd.org or call the volunteer line 858-637-3050. If you are living out of your vehicle and would like to enroll in the Safe Parking program, please call 858-637-3373.