A new safe parking program, where people can sleep in their vehicles, get meals and access to resources is now available for people and families experiencing homelessness in the City of San Diego’s Grantville area.
Local leaders gathered today on the county-owned property that will be the site of a future affordable housing anticipated to break ground in late 2026. Until then, the parking lot will provide 20 overnight parking spaces.
The new Grantville Safe Parking program is part of the County’s broader efforts to expand emergency housing options for people experiencing homelessness.
“Everyone’s journey into homelessness looks different and so will their journey out of homelessness,” said Dijana Beck, director of County Office of Homeless Solutions. “Based on that understanding, as well as input from the community and people with lived experience, the County has established a variety of emergency housing options, including safe parking, so that we can meet the diverse needs of people experiencing homelessness.”
Operated by Dreams for Change, the program will serve the participants referred by the County’s outreach team with case management and housing navigation to more stable housing options. Participants will be connected to employment, health, social services and resources as well as flexible funding to help remove any barriers to stable housing.
This is the County’s third safe parking program, all operated by Dreams for Change. The Bancroft Safe Parking has 27 spaces and opened in August 2024 in Spring Valley. The Magnolia location, which has 17 spaces is being renovated to improve the site for staff and residents with updates to bathrooms and the addition of a shower facility, new picnic and meeting areas and a dog run. Work should wrap up later this month.
Learn more about programs and resources on the County’s Office of Homeless Solutions website.
