Cities Struggle with Cars, Vans, and Recreational Vehicles as Temporary Housing

In the Bay Area several cities are considering parking bans to control the increase of recreational vehicle parking housing people who would otherwise be exposed to harsh winter weather.  Many Bay Area cities; San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Sacramento have tried to combine these parking restrictions with creating city-run lots that are equipped with showers, bathrooms, electrical charging stations, and homelessness case managers. Ultimately, the goal was to move the individuals living in the parking lots into local supportive housing. While the parking areas helped many people make the transition into affordable housing opportunities these communities found increased opposition from city residents when they try to locate and open additional vehicle triage centers.  

While safe parking centers do work, they are expensive to maintain and we don’t have enough identified parking lots for people to use.  It is clear the best solution is to build more permanent supportive housing to meet the homeless need.  In 2023 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness. This Federal Funding resulted in California receiving $601,364,006.  While the 2024 Federal Budget calls for Congress to take further action to address homelessness and keep Americans in their homes, fears of ever pending government shutdowns and the inability of Congress to get any meaningful Federal legislation passed has become a cause for real concern.  HomeAid supports Senate Bill 2702  the Housing for All Act to address the homelessness and housing crises, and move toward the goal of providing for a home for all Americans.

If you are interested in getting involved in a HomeAid project or want to learn more, please contact Crisand Giles for more information.