Portland's Proposed Safe-Park Program: What You Need to know

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    Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan has announced recently that the local government is looking into a program that would allow for those experiencing houselessness that live in cars to safely park. This so-called “Safe-Park Program” would occur in the form of a large parking lot where people could park their cars. These lots would include communal spaces for food and bathing as well as access to social workers and mental health counselors on site. 

    In an interview for “Think Out Loud” on OPB, Ryan stated, “I know out in my neighborhood in North Portland, you’re seeing so many people parked alongside the road... We could organize those cars and those RVs into a big parking lot that had hygiene, safety, that had food services, and that had also mental health services,” Ryan says that the program would take shape in the form of a two-step process; first, the parking lot program, and second, a communal discussion for alternative shelter models.

    Similar programs have been popping up over the west coast in recent years with safe parking locations in cities such as Eugene, Beaverton, and Los Angeles. Beaverton’s Safe-Park program which is currently on its one-year pilot program has had success in transitioning those living in their vehicles to actual houses. Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle stated that "We had about 37 different people, including nine kids there. Twelve have got permanent housing and we're helping people get jobs and getting some education. It's really a good program,”

    For now, there is no confirmation on whether or not Portland’s Safe-Park Program will be approved but Commissioner Ryan state that he’s convened several meetings with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, and County Commissioner Sharon Meieran to work out how to expand alternative shelter options in the city.

For more information on Beaverton’s Safe-Park Program, you can click here.


Published by Spener Rutledge

Film Major at Portland State University

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