our program
By employing underutilized parking lots, Safe Parking LA provides access and engagement to households whose only source of shelter is their vehicle. We currently operate in San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, and West Los Angeles, including programs on the VA West Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airport campuses. Since our inception, we have received over 11,000 inquiries and permitted more than 2,500 vehicles for safe parking.
Services Provided
Our safe parking programs are more than a safe place to park. Our services are designed to meet the needs of our community, facilitate safety and stability, and provide an actionable roadmap for participants to return to permanent housing.
COMMUNITY WARMLINE AND INTAKE
Our confidential phone service helps community members struggling with the imminent loss of housing or experiences of vehicular homelessness. We assist households in assessing their situation, connecting to resources and referrals, and enrolling in our safe parking program if appropriate.
SAFE PARKING LOT OPERATIONS
With the help of our partners, we provide secure and legal overnight parking at sites equipped with security personnel, portable toilets, and handwashing stations. Onsite services vary by location and may include wi-fi, mobile clinics, food distribution as they become available through leveraged resources. All safe parking programs meet ADA standards for accessibility.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE COORDINATION
Upon enrollment, case managers assess the needs of safe parking program participants, develop personalized housing service plans, and make connections to essential resources and housing solutions.Case managers advocate on the participant’s behalf when necessary, such as to advocate for the rights of a child within the school system, advocate for social services, or advocate for consideration for a housing placement.
EMERGENCY FUNDS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
After 30 days of enrollment, participants may apply for assistance from Safe Parking LA to address financial burdens such as vehicle maintenance, credit repair, first month’s rent, and move-in costs.We also provide support in addressing emergency situations, such as urgent vehicle operability issues. Our ability to provide financial assistance depends on the availability of funds.
REFERRALS AND LINKAGES TO HOUSING
In addition to supporting participants in becoming document-ready for the housing application process, Safe Parking LA provides referrals and linkages to housing opportunities participants may not be able to access on their own.This includes working within the Coordinated Entry System and Continuum of Care and helping to secure housing opportunities in the broader community.
