Unraveling Misconceptions: Shifting Narratives on Homelessness With The Safe Parking Program

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    Communities are a tapestry of diverse stories, each thread unique yet interconnected in the fabric of humanity. Within this tapestry, homelessness stands as a profound challenge, affecting not only communities at large but especially those directly experiencing its hardships. In the face of skyrocketing inflation and rental costs, many families and individuals find themselves grappling with housing scarcity. All too often, when homelessness is discussed, it is automatically grouped with other community issues such as substance abuse, rising crime rates, and mental health challenges. While these issues can intersect, the automatic association is problematic in perpetuating harmful stigmas that unfairly vilify those needing support. The Safe Parking Program is no exception to this. 


    What is The Safe Parking Program?


The Safe Parking Program, administered by Just Compassion East Washington County, is a program that provides a safe place to park while utilizing services aimed at transitioning to secure housing. It has been implemented in many locations across the west coast and has been running for over 20 years. The program allows for approved locations to utilize their parking lot to host 3-5 vehicles at a time, providing services like restrooms, waste facilities, and small storage units. To utilize this program, participants must first apply and pass a background check. Upon qualification, participants must then adhere to a strict set of rules to maintain use. Qualification requirements include an operational vehicle with current registration, as well as ongoing cooperation with a case manager to assist in the goal of securing stable housing and/ or employment. There is a strict zero tolerance policy in regards to firearms or weapons of any kind, drug or alcohol use, violence or disruptive behavior, and no outside guests are allowed. Each approved participant enters on a 30 day probationary period. If a guest successfully complies with all rules and participates with their assigned case manager, they may then apply to stay a full 120 days as needed. All participants are documented with the local police departments to ensure safety. 


Recently, a new location was proposed at a local church in Tigard, Oregon. The community response was overwhelmingly unempathetic. This flier was posted and quickly shared across social media on apps like Nextdoor, Facebook, and more:






Let’s break this down. 


On one hand, this is gross fear mongering, on another, it is blatant misinformation. From the bold red letters shouting for your attention to the use of alarmist language like “Your Backyard”, this poster is an unfortunate example of propaganda at play. While it only takes a quick Google search to see how incorrect this is, many won’t take the time to do so before forming an opinion. The discourse in the comments on social media, on the public Zoom meeting, and even in news reports can be boiled down to a few common complaints:

“It will increase crime in the surrounding neighborhoods”

“It will decrease property value”

“It will bring in drug use and put children at risk”

“It will encourage more homeless to come into the city”

However, these fears fail to account for the reality of Safe Parking Program participants. With a demographic comprising over 50% elderly individuals, alongside parents with young children and infants, many of these individuals have fallen on hard times due to job losses or housing instability amid economic upheaval.


In essence, the discourse surrounding the Safe Parking Program highlights a critical opportunity for our community to shift its perception and approach toward homelessness. It calls for a collective awakening of empathy, urging us to engage in informed, compassionate dialogue that transcends the boundaries of ingrained biases. By taking the time to understand the diverse faces and stories behind homelessness, we can dismantle the barriers of fear and stigma that hinder progress. These programs, though seemingly small in scale, represent significant strides toward a larger goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all. They are not just about providing a safe place to park; they are about recognizing the inherent worth and humanity of every individual, regardless of their circumstances. Through this lens, supporting initiatives like the Safe Parking Program becomes not just a choice, but a moral imperative—a testament to our commitment to upholding the dignity and well-being of every member of our community. 

How can you get involved?

    All you need to do is spread awareness. If you become aware of anyone who may benefit from this program, direct them to email safeparkingbeaverton@gmail.com or call 503-624-4666. If you have any questions, extra funds to donate, or time to volunteer, you can find more information at https://justcompassionewc.com/donate-today






Sources:

“Safe Parking Program.” Just Compassion, justcompassionewc.com/safe-parking-program. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024. 

https://justcompassionewc.com/safe-parking-program

“Safe Parking Program.” Safe Parking Program | Beaverton, OR - Official Website, www.beavertonoregon.gov/378/Safe-Parking-Program. Accessed 4 Feb. 2024. 

https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/378/Safe-Parking-Program

Safo, Nova. “Safe Parking Programs Are Difficult to Fund, but Sorely Needed.” Marketplace, 25 Jan. 2024, www.marketplace.org/2024/01/25/safe-parking-programs-are-difficult-to-fund-but-sorely-needed/.



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