Implementing the ‘Safe Park Program’ in Portland

An affordable housing and homelessness crisis has forced many in Portland out of their homes and into their cars. The local government along with Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan, hope to alleviate this issue by providing another alternative sheltering option via the “Safe Park Program.” 

Although striving towards permanent housing should still be the number one priority, having another sheltering option for both the chronically and temporarily homeless does hold importance. Publicly operated lots for those living out of their vehicles have been implemented along the West Coast already in California cities such as Los Angeles, as well as cities in Oregon like Eugene and Beaverton. Beaverton’s “Safe Parking” program currently has three sites. People apply for a temporary space and, once approved, are assigned a space as well as a case manager to assist them in finding a more permanent housing solution.  

Having a safe and legal place to park may aid homeless families and individuals in stabilizing their situation by providing them with better access to services such as restrooms, storage, and garbage removal. The city, along with Commissioner Ryan, envisions Portland’s version of the Safe Park Program as “large parking lots with communal spaces for hygiene and food, along with social workers and mental health counselors on site.” The city would also like to set up two Safe Park locations in Portland, one for those who have recently started living in their vehicle and the other for those who have lived out for their car or RV for longer periods of time. Exploring temporary sheltering options like this may help to reduce the burden of homelessness that people living in their cars face. For more information about safe parking programs in other cities, as well as how you can donate, visit:

https://goconnect.org/safepark/

https://211la.org/resources/service/homeless-safe-parking-programs-1

https://www.cityofvancouver.us/ced/page/vancouver-safe-parking-zone

Sources:

https://www.opb.org/article/2021/02/02/portland-commissioner-dan-ryan-looks-to-implement-safe-park-program-for-homeless/

https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/2235/Safe-Parking-Program

https://katu.com/news/homeless-crisis-the-best-we-can-do/beaverton-homeless-resources-help-people-transition-to-stable-housing