Mayor Todd Gloria today secured City Council approval of a contract with nonprofit Jewish Family Service of San Diego to continue operating the City’s Safe Parking Program, including the new 190-space Safe Parking Program site at H Barracks near San Diego International Airport. The new lot will dramatically increase the space available for families and individuals to sleep safely and legally in their vehicles as they work to end their homelessness.

“The individuals and families served through the Safe Parking Program are our neighbors, and many are experiencing homelessness for the first time – needing just a little bit of help to get back on their feet,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Programs like Safe Parking give us a chance to intervene early and get folks on a path back to housing, and with the H Barracks site, we’ll be able to help hundreds more struggling San Diegans. I thank Jewish Family Service for continually stepping forward to partner with the City on this extremely successful program.” 

Tuesday’s City Council approval is a step forward in nearly doubling the existing 200-space Safe Parking Program, which also includes 19 camper trailers specifically reserved for families at the City’s Rose Canyon site. The one-year contract with Jewish Family Service will continue operations at the three existing Safe Parking sites, plus the new location at H Barracks. This latest location will provide 190 spaces for overnight parking, including room for oversized vehicles (RVs). 

“The Safe Parking Program traditionally serves a different population than what we often see at our shelters or in our Safe Sleeping Program,” said Sarah Jarman, director of the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department. “We know from the latest Point in Time Count that the need here has grown and not just for cars, but for oversized vehicles too. Investing in multiple types of sheltering options is key to meeting people where they are.” 

The City will enter into a separate agreement with Jewish Family Service for the existing Safe Parking site located off Balboa Avenue at Jewish Family Service’s administrative campus, due to the ownership of the underlying property. 

The Safe Parking Program provides individuals, seniors, and families a secure place to stay while accessing services and pursuing permanent housing. Sites include restrooms, housing navigation, mental health services and job training, and participants work with case managers to create individual housing goals.  

”The Safe Parking Program is a powerful example of what we can achieve through partnership,” said incoming JFS CEO Dana Toppel. “We are deeply grateful to the City of San Diego for their continued collaboration and support, which allows us to provide a safe, dignified space for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Together, we’re offering not just a place to park—but a pathway to stability, hope, and a brighter future.” 

As the name implies, H Barracks was previously military barracks, and the site is the future location of a planned San Diego Pure Water treatment facility. The crumbling buildings were removed earlier this year, and paving was completed this month. Mobile office trailers for program staff have been added, with electrical work and lighting upgrades to be completed soon. Site preparation should conclude by the end of April, and the City anticipates opening the site in May. 

The H Barracks site could be open through 2029. The City has four one-year options to renew the operating agreement, before planned construction for a San Diego Pure Water treatment facility is set to begin in the area. 

According to the most recently available data, 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 overnight safe parking options.