The City of Greensboro has opened a new space to assist those experiencing homelessness. It's called Safe Parking and is geared toward people living out of their vehicles who need a place to park overnight.
The space is located at 3910 Clifton Road in Greensboro, off of Wendover Avenue, and has room for up to 35 cars.
Liz Alverson is the homeless prevention program coordinator for the city. She says the idea is based on a model from San Diego and federal coronavirus funding is supporting the program.
“Oftentimes people who are parking randomly just to sleep, either are harassed or told to leave, or get ticketed in some way. Violence can occur," she says. "And so we really wanted to create this safe place where they could come and they’re not at risk for those things.”
There is onsite security, a bathroom facility, and a case management component coordinated by the Interactive Resource Center. It’s first come first serve. Those using the site can arrive between 6 and 9 p.m. and park overnight.
Alverson says the goal is to bridge the gap from vehicular homelessness to permanent housing.
“We find that more often than not, a lot of these individuals are working individuals, and so during the day they’re going to work and then at night, you know, they may not have the money needed to get into a hotel, or they’re trying to save their money.”
The site is also home to the city’s new Doorway Project which provides tiny houses as interim housing shelters. The lot opened on December 23.