A place where homeless people can sleep safely overnight in their cars with available services such as restrooms, showers and maybe a laundry was proposed Wednesday by the Oceanside City Council.
“This is definitely a common-sense move,” said Councilmember Eric Joyce, who brought up the idea along with Councilmember Rick Robinson. “It’s a really important program that has been successful in other cities.”
A place to legally park helps prevent people from losing their vehicle and becoming homeless on the street, he said. That small amount of stability can stop a person’s slide and move them toward finding a permanent place to live.
The council unanimously supported the idea, and City Manager Jonathan Borrego said the staff will bring a list of options to the council in January.
About 16 people spoke to the council on the issue, most of them in support.
“It’s crucial that we offer compassionate solutions like this to support our most vulnerable residents,” said Mary Thompson of the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego.
“It’s about time,” said resident Daniel Dominguez. “People that live in their cars usually are the working poor. They have one foot in the abyss of homelessness. This is a very good idea, and I support it.”
Encinitas offers a Safe Parking Program from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week with space for up to 25 vehicles on Oakcrest Park Drive near the city’s Senior Center.
Operated by Jewish Family Service, the Encinitas program offers on-site resources to help people transition to permanent housing. The Encinitas City Council recently extended the program through June 20, 2025.
Vista opened a safe parking lot for the homeless in August, also operated by Jewish Family Service, with 25 spaces at the Vista Civic Center parking lot at Civic Center Drive and Eucalyptus Avenue.
The city of San Diego has four safe lots for homeless people living in vehicles, and San Diego County operates one in East County on North Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon.
