SAFE PARKING MINISTRIES are programs operated by our local faith communities, providing safe, legal space for individuals and families experiencing homelessness to park and sleep peacefully overnight.
THE NEED
When people first become homeless, their vehicle often becomes their only refuge. Folks living in a vehicle are often working but not making enough money to cover rent. The City of Georgetown does not allow them to park in public spaces—so they have to find space on private property to sleep safely at night. It’s not just individuals who live in their vehicles; sometimes we find families with children living in their cars.
HOW FAITH COMMUNITIES CAN HELP
Most people living in their vehicles are not able to find space on public property to park at night. If our local faith communities can make 3-5 parking spaces available on their property for legal, safe parking, it would be a tremendous blessing to these folks.
We know the decision to help in this way may raise concerns. It is understandable that faith communities may have reservations about inviting people they do not know to stay on their property overnight. With everything that our faith communities already do, the idea of taking on another project can be overwhelming.
- Could your faith community initially offer this service as a 30-day pilot, with the option to extend if all goes well?
- Would your congregation rest easier knowing that all Safe Parking guests were pre-screened, including a criminal background check?
- Would this feel less overwhelming if you did not have to develop program materials yourself?
WHAT WE PROVIDE
GEORGETOWN COALITION FOR THE UNHOUSED and NEIGHBORS FIRST! are ready to help your faith community make Safe Parking work on your property.
- We will provide you with a pre-screened list of applicants who meet your criteria and are looking for safe places to park. We will provide applications; you will make final decisions on acceptance.
- We will print all materials you need (Code of Conduct agreements and Dashboard Placards). We will work with you to customize them based on your requirements for Safe Parking guests.
- We will be available to assist with any needs or issues that might arise with your Safe Parking guests, including issues with vehicles.
WHAT YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY PROVIDES
- Parking for 2-3 vehicles—overnight only—you decide start and end times
- A ministry coordinator or team to check in with Safe Parking guests periodically and serve as their point of contact
- Some site preparation—trash receptacles, maybe pet waste bags and smoking area (if you decide to allow pets or smoking)
- You decide for how long—start with a trial period, then extend if all goes well. If a particular guest is not a good fit, the Code of Conduct allows for cancellation by you or by your Safe Parking guest at any time.
- Insurance policies for places of worship tend to be very broad due to the nature of what they do. However, you may want to confirm with your insurance company or broker before deciding to proceed.
HOW TO GET STARTED
We work with you to understand your expectations and requirements, then we use that information to pre-screen Safe Parking applicants to make sure they are a good fit for your program. We customize Safe Parking materials to meet your requirements. It’s your ministry, but we will be there to support you as needed. You can review the Safe Parking Ministries information packet here.
To learn more, send an email to board@neighborsfirstgtx.org or call 512-843-5514.