Living in your vehicle isn’t just a lifestyle choice anymore - it’s a survival strategy for thousands in the Bay Area. San Jose is taking a bold approach to transform the lives of unhoused residents with its innovative safe parking program.

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness

Carol Rogers knows firsthand how transformative these programs can be. After nearly two decades of struggling on the streets, she found hope at a new 6.3-acre safe parking site on Berryessa Road. “Next time you see me, I’m going to be in my own apartment,” she boldly declares, embodying the resilient spirit of those fighting to rebuild their lives.

More Than Just a Parking Spot

This isn’t just about giving people a place to park. San Jose is strategically addressing its homelessness crisis by creating over 1,000 new spaces through safe parking sites, tiny homes, and hotel conversions. With an estimated 5,500 unhoused residents and 2,400 vehicles crowding city streets, these interventions are more than just a band-aid - they’re a comprehensive approach to urban housing challenges.

Community-Driven Solutions

Local leaders like District 4 Councilmember David Cohen are championing these efforts. “Over 60% of residents here have jobs and are stabilizing their lives,” he explains. The site, operated by WeHOPE, isn’t just providing parking - it’s offering dignity, support, and a pathway to permanent housing.

Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing even further, advocating for county and state support to scale these transformative programs. “We can build twice as many of these if we get operational cost support,” he argues, highlighting the potential for systemic change.

As San Jose demonstrates, solving homelessness requires compassion, innovation, and a commitment to seeing the humanity in every individual struggling to find home.