The Safe Parking Program opened March 7, 2022 and has been authorized for two years of funding. The program provides up to 50 parking spaces for adults who are experiencing homelessness as a place to safely park their vehicle or RV with access to basic services, such as food, sanitation, and shower facilities, as well as wrap-around services to help end participants’ homelessness in alignment with the City’s Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan. The program is also meant to lessen the impacts of homelessness on the broader community.
Year One Outcomes
The City’s Safe Parking Program has successfully helped to reduce vehicle encampments and homelessness in Santa Rosa. On June 6, 2023, the City Council received an update following the program’s first year of operations. In its first 12 months, the program provided safe parking and vital services to help 148 residents address their homelessness, 12 of whom have since moved into temporary housing and 20 into permanent housing. The City plans to build on the success of the program in the coming year to help more participants gain housing and is pursuing funding opportunities to continue the two-year pilot program through 2026.
Program Funding
Funding for the program has been authorized through 2024 from the City’s General Fund and $2 million in one-time monies from the American Rescue Plan Act. Additionally, the County of Sonoma approved a $500,000 funding request from the City to provide wrap-around services for program participants. To learn more, use the following link: Staff Report and City Council Presentation.
Make a Referral to the Program
Given limited space, individuals identified in coordination with Catholic Charities' Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) are currently being prioritized for placement in the program. To make or receive a referral please call 707-978-8329 or email [email protected] or go to the Caritas Drop-In Center at 301 6th Street (Suite 108).
Safe Parking FAQs & Site Map
