San Diego City Wire

Gillie and Henry, a couple facing homelessness due to rising rent and job loss, found relief at San Diego County's Bancroft Safe Parking site in Spring Valley. Since arriving in January, they have benefited from the program's amenities such as showers, heaters, and meals.

“No matter how we tried to keep our boat afloat, it was impossible,” Gillie shared. She expressed gratitude for the program, saying it provides a sense of relief with its offerings like coffee and oatmeal each morning.

Referred by a County Office of Homeless Solutions outreach worker, the couple joined a program operated by Dreams for Change. Dijana Beck, Director of the County Office of Homeless Solutions, explained that "safe parking lots provide people with a place to park and sleep for the night without the risk of being towed or asked to move." Participants receive support for tasks such as organizing documents and finding permanent housing solutions.

Opened in August 2024, Bancroft Safe Parking accommodates 27 cars overnight starting at 5 p.m., offering security along with facilities like clean restrooms and hot showers. The site also provides dinner and breakfast. Residents typically stay between three to six months as they work towards stable housing.

The couple has now moved into a studio apartment thanks to assistance from the program. This initiative is part of San Diego County's broader efforts to expand emergency housing options for homeless individuals in unincorporated areas.

In addition to Bancroft Safe Parking, similar efforts include the Magnolia Safe Parking Program in El Cajon which began operations in 2022. Renovations are underway there to enhance facilities including bathrooms and shower areas.

Looking ahead, Troy Street Sleeping Cabins are under development with an anticipated opening in 2026. More information on these programs can be found on the County’s Office of Homeless Solutions website.