City of San Diego – Press Release

Continuing work to reduce homelessness, Mayor Todd Gloria on Friday previewed the new 190-space Safe Parking site known as H Barracks, which is set to open this month. This is the fifth City-funded site where individuals and families living in their vehicles can access services to prevent them from falling deeper into homelessness.

“The majority of people served in our Safe Parking Program have income, are employed or have only recently entered homelessness,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Their vehicle is how they continue to get to work, school or take care of their families. The Safe Parking Program ensures we intervene early and provide stabilization so people can get back on their feet – and that’s what this new site a H Barracks will do for 190 individuals or families experiencing homelessness.”

The H Barracks site, which will operate as an overnight site, will start welcoming people in the coming weeks and will nearly double the existing 200 space Safe Parking Program, which includes 18 camper trailers at the Rose Canyon site.

Last week, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to continue operating the City’s Safe Parking Program under a contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), including the new 190-space H Barracks lot.

“The Safe Parking Program has proven to be one of the City’s most successful homelessness programs, helping many participants find permanent housing and access the services and support they need to get back on their feet,” said City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, who represents the area. “I am grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have worked together on this innovative approach to addressing homelessness. Specifically, I want to thank Jewish Family Service of San Diego for their dedication to helping us reduce homelessness.”

The Safe Parking Program provides individuals, seniors, and families a secure place to stay while accessing services and pursuing housing. Sites include restrooms, mental health services and job training, and participants work with case managers to create individual housing goals.

“This intervention couldn’t come at a better time – we know more people are living in their vehicles and this added space will change lives for the better,” said Sarah Jarman, director of the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department. “Jewish Family Service has been a great partner for this, and we look forward to continually working together to get more people back into housing.”

The H Barracks lot will have onsite security during operating hours and can accommodate oversized vehicles (RVs). The lot can be open through 2029, after which construction for a San Diego Pure Water treatment facility is planned for the site. The City has four one-year options to renew an operating agreement with JFS that covers four of the five Safe Parking sites.

“We are proud to continue our seven-year partnership with the City of San Diego as we expand our services to support even more unhoused San Diegans,” said incoming JFS CEO Dana Toppel. “Consistent with our four existing sites in San Diego, H Barracks will provide more than a safe and dignified place for individuals to park their vehicles and rest—it will offer a critical pathway to stability, hope, and a brighter future.”

According to the most recently available data, the number of San Diegans sleeping in their cars across the county increased by 44% compared to the previous year – underscoring the need for additional overnight safe parking options. JFS operates two additional Safe Parking Programs outside of the city of San Diego. There are also two Safe Parking Programs operated within San Diego that are not City-funded nor operated by JFS.