SAN DIEGO — In a parking lot turned temporary home, an 8-year-old boy rides his bicycle while his mother prepares dinner from a shared outdoor kitchen. Their sedan, once their only shelter, now stands beside a recreational vehicle assigned to them for six months. Here, homeless families, like this one, find temporary stability with the assurance of secure belongings and access to basic amenities.
Mother M., who uses her initial for privacy, appreciates the setup, saying, “He likes it here. We can actually cook. I waste less money. There’s a lot to like.” Since last year, M. and her family have lived in San Diego parking lots opened by the city, the local school district, and a nonprofit partner. Priced out of San Diego’s housing market, the RV lot serves as their temporary home while they search for a permanent place with a caseworker’s help.
Family homelessness surged in 2024 due to the end of federal pandemic aid and rising inflation. School districts are now considering parking lots as shelters for homeless students and their families. San Diego pioneered this model in 2017, partnering with Jewish Family Service to convert four parking lots into safe places to sleep, adding a family-priority lot in 2023. As public camping bans expanded, San Diego Unified School District proposed turning vacant properties into temporary shelters.
Related: Infants and toddlers are a growing group among homeless children
The safe parking model is now spreading beyond California. Cincinnati plans to open its first safe parking lot this spring, and Kentucky’s Fayette County is considering a similar approach. San Diego’s program faces opposition from residents and developers citing concerns about crime and property values. The Trump administration criticized these lots but plans significant cuts to long-term housing programs.
Advocates argue that safe parking sites offer a dignified short-term solution, providing autonomy as people seek permanent housing. “Parking lots are a terrible option, but there are options that are worse,” said Jennifer Erb-Downward of Poverty Solutions. The San Diego school district stresses student safety and health, acknowledging shelters lack sufficient space.
San Diego families in these lots have access to amenities like a small library, shared kitchen, and charging stations. The Rose Canyon lot offers trailers, while the Central Elementary lot provides Wi-Fi and meeting spaces. The program’s success is evident, with 53% of households finding more stable housing, outpacing national averages.
Related data shows a dramatic rise in family homelessness, with California seeing a 14% increase since before the pandemic. M.’s family lost housing after a rental subsidy ended, facing steep rent increases. With limited emergency shelter space, San Diego’s safe parking lots offer a crucial alternative.
Other districts are replicating San Diego’s model, with Cincinnati and Kentucky schools planning to support homeless families through safe parking lots. These efforts aim to bridge immediate crises, providing temporary refuge while families pursue permanent housing solutions.
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