Magnolia Safe Parking Program

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The County of San Diego (County) Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) Regional Homeless Services team coordinates multi-disciplinary outreach to address homeless encampments across the San Diego region. In March 2022, this successful model of response was used to respond to a large encampment in the unincorporated area of San Diego, and as a result, over 100 individuals were sheltered/housed and received wrap-around services. Once the encampment was resolved, HSEC seized the opportunity to use the now-vacant land to launch the first of its kind, County-funded “safe parking program” in the unincorporated County. Through collaborative work with County departments, the Magnolia Safe Parking Program (MSPP) launched August 2022. MSPP offers 17 spaces each night along with housing navigation and flexible funds for housing needs for participants. The program is a low-barrier model providing a safe, legal, and accessible place for those experiencing homelessness to sleep in cars, receive services and get connected to permanent housing options. Since implementation, over 50 individuals have been served, with 28% being seniors. In addition, 33% have exited the program into permanent housing, 9% of households have increased income and the program serves over 700 meals each month.