Daniel

Daniel never anticipated experiencing vehicular homelessness, but he recalls it feeling “like a snowball effect.”

He spent much of his life between southern California and Las Vegas and saw the cost of living slowly rise above what he could afford. Daniel periodically slept in his vehicle to save money on rent but never considered it a permanent situation. After the difficult passing of his father, he returned to California for a final time, and, unable to afford the cost of living, he was stuck sleeping in his car.

He worked Instacart and was able to make money but with constant bills, child support payments, and trying to keep his vehicle maintained, he couldn’t afford an apartment. Primarily sleeping in a Planet Fitness parking lot where he could exercise and shower, Daniel was moved to look for a safer situation after security began kicking people out of the parking lot. Through a Google search he found Safe Parking LA where he was quickly enrolled.

Before joining the program, Daniel didn’t realize the support that Safe Parking LA had to offer. After working closely with his case manager, Alma, he was able to get connected to PATH who eventually found him housing. Through savings he accrued over a period of months and financial assistance from SPLA, he moved into a studio apartment.

Daniel always considered his situation temporary and knew that given time things would change. These days he looks forward to spending more time with his children and hopes to start his own trucking business.

JoshuaKyle

After serving in the Marines and earning his degree, JoshuaKyle moved to LA for a fresh start. But life took an unexpected turn—his business venture failed, financial hardship set in, and he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With nowhere else to go, his car became his home, shared only with his loyal dog, Jezzabell.

Finding a safe place to park was a constant struggle. Police often asked him to move, and an altercation nearly pushed him over the edge—until a fellow veteran on the force stepped in, getting him the support he needed.

When offered a bed at the VA hospital, JoshuaKyle faced an impossible choice: housing or Jezzabell. He refused to give up his best friend. That’s when he found Safe Parking LA’s VA lot, a place where he could stay safely with his dog, free from harassment and uncertainty.

With stable shelter and support, JoshuaKyle secured an apartment through LA Family Housing and started new medication for his bipolar disorder.

To JoshuaKyle, Safe Parking LA provided the peace of mind to “not be hassled by other people, to really be protected and feel safe.”

Today, he’s rebuilt his life. He has a new car, a new job, and even met the love of his life. Now back in Illinois, he works in the family business and is looking forward to starting a family of his own.

Ben

After nine years as a combat infantryman in the US Army, Ben returned home from service in Iraq and Afghanistan to face a new battle—the transition to civilian life. Struggling with PTSD, alcoholism, and gambling, he fought hard to reclaim his purpose. Through a year of service with AmeriCorps, he overcame his addictions, but still lacked stable housing.

That’s when he found Safe Parking LA’s Veterans Safe Parking Program. With the support of a dedicated Case Manager, Ben accessed mental health resources, career opportunities, and housing assistance. When he secured an apartment but couldn’t afford the upfront costs, Safe Parking LA stepped in—covering his first month’s rent and move-in expenses. Today, Ben is three years sober and continues to serve—volunteering with the Red Cross and the VA while building a career in homeless services.

“The beautiful thing about Safe Parking LA is they don’t judge, they don’t discriminate, and especially for Veterans, it’s an easy yes.”

Angela

Angela never expected to experience homelessness. A dedicated educator, caregiver, and former frontline homeless services provider, she faced housing instability in 2020, relying on short-term rentals and sleeping in her car. At Safe Parking LA, she found not just a safe place to rest, but also community, case management, and support for essentials like gas and food. With stability, she was able to move forward. Today, Angela has secured housing and now works with LA County Probation, helping young people in the juvenile justice system. We’re grateful to have been part of her journey and celebrate this next chapter with her!

“I really love Safe Parking LA because…it ended up being such a blessing, not just because of the resources but because…we’re living out of our cars. We have no choice. You provided a place for us.”

Terrence

Terrence, age 29, spent his childhood in LA, Indiana, and Georgia before eventually returning to Los Angeles as a young adult. Out on his own, Terrence held various jobs and struggled to maintain stable housing.

The rising cost of rent, combined with financial pressures from car payments and unexpected mechanical issues, pushed him into a cycle of hardship. Despite working double shifts, Terrence eventually lost his apartment and found himself living in his car.

Determined to break free from this cycle, Terrence sought assistance from Safe Parking LA. He acted swiftly alongside his case manager, Mirna, to remove barriers, improve his employment prospects, and submit housing applications. With help from The Change Reaction, he moved into an affordable apartment conveniently close to work. Terrence is now pursuing his goal of becoming a registered nurse by enrolling in educational courses.

Throughout his journey, Terrence’s reserved demeanor has been marked by a deep pride in his worth. He cherishes his independence and looks forward to building towards his promising future!

Bill

Bill, a 73-year old U.S. Navy Veteran who served during the Vietnam War, had settled into a comfortable life on a boat in Long Beach for the last 12 years but recently fell into homelessness when the cost of upkeep and escalating dock fees became unsustainable.

Instead of exhausting his savings, he decided to sell his boat and live in his vehicle.

Aiming to avoid unwanted attention, Bill frequently moved between different city areas during the night. When safety became too great of a concern, he sought resources and found Safe Parking LA.

Together with his case manager, Anna, Bill formulated a housing and service plan addressing his health, housing, and income concerns. He successfully received a housing voucher through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program and was able to move into his apartment in the new West Los Angeles VA campus units.

Bill holds a B.A. in Photography from Sonoma State University and previously worked for several newspapers as a photographer and darkroom technician. He looks forward to continuing his work in freelance photography.

Joseph

Joseph is a 35-year-old father of four who enrolled with Safe Parking LA in December 2020. Joseph became homeless after a difficult separation with his partner. Despite having custody of his children, he felt he had no choice but to send them away while he lived out of his vehicle.

With the help of his case manager, Joseph was able to resolve ongoing legal issues, reduce his debt, and identify an apartment that was appropriate for his children. When Safe Parking LA provided Joseph with temporary financial assistance to help with moving costs, responded, This gives me an opportunity to provide more clothes for my kids and new school supplies for my son. Joseph moved into his new apartment with his children in March 2021.

“Safe Parking LA kept me off the streets and safe at night. My kids are doing a lot better now that I have a place to stay.” – Joseph

Rodney and Tennell

Rodney and his younger brother, Tennell, enrolled with Safe Parking LA in June 2020. When they arrived, their car registration was expired and their car failed multiple smog tests. Following a break-in, the passenger side window of their vehicle was being held up with tape. Their fixed income was not sufficient enough to support their basic needs and pay the cost of bringing their vehicle into legal compliance.

With case management support and temporary financial assistance from Safe Parking LA, Rodney and Tennell’s vehicle was repaired and brought to legal status. They also received move-in assistance to help them transition into a new apartment in October 2020. Rodney described the process as if the fallen dominoes were being lifted, explaining that the momentum had finally shifted in the other direction.

“Safe Parking LA helped us through a bad situation. We were out there. But God came through, you came through, and now we have an apartment.” – Rodney

Yolanda and Luis

Yolanda and her husband Luis lost their housing earlier this year when Luis was out of work and Yolanda could not afford to pay their rent on her income alone.

Yolanda and Luis enrolled in Safe Parking LA in February 2021. Shortly after enrolling, they began experiencing car problems. With case management support and financial assistance from Safe Parking LA, Yolanda and Luis resolved their vehicle issues allowing Yolanda to get to work safely. Their case manager also helped the senior couple to identify a suitable retirement community and submit an application.

In May 2021, their application was accepted and, with move-in assistance from Safe Parking LA, Yolanda and Luis transitioned into their new home.

“People would shine lights in my car to look inside my car. Safe Parking LA was a big help. I no longer felt scared with security watching over me. I finally felt safe.” – Yolanda