Safe parking programs help address the unique needs of vehicle residents, one prominent segment of the unhoused population using their vehicle as a place of personal refuge and shelter. Vehicle residents make up a significant portion of King County’s total unsheltered population — 42% in 2017. These programs use existing public or privately-owned parking infrastructure to provide vehicle residents with a safe, reliable, and legal place to park.
Safe parking programs exist in several locations on the Eastside, however there appear to be gaps in providing services to men, families and people with pets. The benefits of community and relationships can be life-changing and critical in the path to stable housing. The city is interested in evaluation of current resources and providers, research of best practices for “safe-parking lots,” outreach to faith communities, and outreach to the community to determine whether a safe-parking lot approach could address needs for both shelter and safe and livable community.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
Livable City Year Contact Info
Teri Thomson Randall
Program Manager
terir@uw.edu
206.221.9240
University Faculty Contact
Grant Plume
Public Policy and Governance
Local Government / Community Contact
Steve Penner
City Attorney’s Office