City Committee Votes in Favor of Safe Parking Program for Homeless People and Families

On Tuesday, Pasadena’s Economic, Development and Technology Committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve a proposed safe parking program to support homeless individuals and families living in their cars with the ultimate goal of facilitating their transition into proper housing.

The program would provide the homeless with essential services and a secure space to park without the risk of citations or impoundment fees.

“Safe parking programs are designed to provide a safe place for people sheltering in their vehicles for them to park without risk of citation,” said Housing Director Bil Huang.

“Programs provide onsite services such as restrooms, hand washing stations, and case management services. They provide a stabilizing foundation and can facilitate movement toward permanent housing. Individuals who shelter in their vehicles typically have different needs compared to chronically homeless individuals living outdoors. And by maintaining access to their vehicular shelter, individuals may also retain employment and community ties that are not afforded to those who are living on the streets.”

According to Huang, the cars would be allowed to park in the All Saints Church parking lot on the southeast corner of Walnut Street and Euclid Avenue. The site would serve up to 25 individuals at a time.

All Saints Church would be required to obtain a minor conditional use permit and the Shower of Hope nonprofit would enter into a memorandum of understanding with All Saints for nightly use of the property from 7 p.m to 6:30 a.m.

Currently, the lot is leased to a parking company for paid parking primarily for visitors to the nearby courthouse.

The Housing Department has already conducted some community outreach with Reverend Mike Kinman of All Saints Church twice and with owners and staff of Morrison Berger, a search firm situated nearby along Walnut Street.

“I’m really supportive and thank you for bringing it forward,” said Councilmember Jason Lyon. “I’m excited about it. I think it’s a perfect location.”

According to the Department of Housing’s Agenda Report for the City Council, chronically homeless individuals living outdoors have different needs than those sheltering in their vehicles.

The report said that “by maintaining access to vehicular shelter, individuals participating in safe parking programs may maintain work and community ties not afforded to individuals living on the street. Without safe parking, people living in their cars risk citations, towing, or impoundment fees that increase instability and threaten those ties.”

Participants enrolled in the program will have a reserved spot each night and will receive security, meals, and access to essential services.