In April 2023, the Safe Parking Program – Rose Canyon Lot opened. This lot includes live-in-ready camper trailers as well as free, safe parking for people who sleep overnight in their vehicles. For more information, please review this FAQ.
In April 2023, the Safe Parking Program – Rose Canyon Lot opened. This lot includes live-in-ready camper trailers as well as free, safe parking for people who sleep overnight in their vehicles. For more information, please review this FAQ.
Meeting people where they are with safety, security, and support
The Safe Parking Program offers a pathway out of homelessness and a return to stable housing. Every night, we provide safety, security, and support for unsheltered San Diegans living out of their vehicles, many of whom are experiencing homelessness for the first time. As these individuals and families work to lift themselves up out of a difficult situation, many are making a nightly choice between buying food or purchasing gas to get to work and school—creating further barriers to stability are the isolation and lack of social support that so many experiencing homelessness often face.
The Safe Parking Program provides a welcoming environment, meaningful resources and tools, and dignified support to help families stabilize and transition back into permanent housing. With wraparound services focused on basic needs assistance, employment, family wellness, school success, financial education, credit repair, and most importantly, a return to housing.
The program operates seven nights per week at five secured lots at Balboa Avenue, Aero Drive, Mission Village Drive (open 24 hours), Rose Canyon, and Encinitas. Enrollment is required for all locations. To enroll, call (858) 637-3373 or start the process online.
Living in an RV or an Over-Sized Vehicle?
Our Safe Parking site in Mission Valley provides a safe and secure environment for RVs and other large vehicles where you can sleep without the risk of being ticketed.
To view daily utilization rates of our Safe Parking Lot in Encinitas, click here.
To view answers to frequently asked questions about our Safe Parking Lot in Encinitas, click here.
Call (858) 637-3373 to enroll
San Diego County CoC HMISNotice of Privacy Practices
Regional Task Force on the Homeless HMISPrivacy & Security Policies
“A kitchen to cook fresh food, a bathroom to take care of ourselves, and a bedroom to sleep without worry and with comfort, I will never take any of this for granted.”
– Maria
For more than a year, Rudy and Maria lived in their van. They found safety, security, and community at our Safe Parking Program for nine months before transitioning to stable housing. Now they are living in an apartment they love in Otay Mesa and are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
January 2022
In 2019, researchers from UC San Diego’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning began a three-year evaluation of our Safe Parking Program to answer our biggest question: Is the SPP model effective in stopping the downward spiral of homelessness? The report on the first two years of research explains more about our Safe Parking Program model and what we can do to help even more of our unsheltered neighbors get back into stable housing.
Our Case Management team is committed to addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals and families facing homelessness. Our supportive services include food assistance, employment development, emergency support, benefits access, and asset building.
JFS provides nutritional assistance to all Safe Parking guests while in our care. We invite you, along with your community group, friends, or colleagues to host a Safe Parking dinner. You and your group will experience hands-on the difference your donation makes as you serve with a smile.
