A Safe Parking Program for the Homeless Living in Their Vehicles
Safe parking lots offer security, restrooms, showers and laundry facalities and more.
Safe Parking: A Haven for Those Experiencing Homelessness
There are several resources available to find safe parking lots that provide restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and security at affordable prices.
You don’t need to worry about a knock on your door in the wee hours of the morning asking you to move. Nor do you have to be afraid of someone breaking in on you.
Safe parking lots give you the peace of mind to spend another night in the quiet solitude of your car or vehicle.
This is becoming a reality for an increasing number of seniors, women and families facing homelessness.
But the hidden gem of safe parking lies in the amenities: access to clean restrooms, a place to do laundry, and eve3n social services.
These necessities, often taken for granted, restore a sense of dignity and normalcy that is crucial for mental and physical well-being. What a difference it makes living in safe parking lots over parking behind Walmart or Cracker Barrel or in truck stops. The peace of mind alone is worth the effort, don’t you think?
It’s not just about survival only
It’s about maintaining a sense of self-worth and hope amidst challenging times.
Trump recently signed an executive order making it illegal to live in a car or van; but I believe you would be exempt from that law while staying in a safe parking lot.
I will follow up soon with a new post concerning the ins and outs of the legalities of living in your vehicles in the safe parking programs.
Resources for Safe Parking Programs
Vehicleresidency.org offers lists and contact information for programs across multiple states
The National Vehicle Residency Collective maintains a comprehensive database of safe parking programs in the U.S.
Call 211 for services or community resource lines, which can connect people to homeless-specific services including safe parking
Thanks for reading,
Carol