March 2024
Safe Parking Program Newsletter
Review of the Safe Parking Program for 2023 and Going Forward
The Safe Parking Program at First Universalist Church has completed another year of serving the needs of those who, for various reasons, are forced to live in their vehicles. In this year, we have had 28 participants in the program. We have a maximum of 8 parking spaces at one time. CSPI receives applications from would be guests, vets them, and completes a background check for Colorado. We do a national background check and interview applicants. Those who are accepted usually enter the lot right away.
We have learned that feeling safe is a priority towards healing and being independent. When an individual feels safe in their environment, they regain the calmness necessary for healthy growth. Another factor is confidence in the vehicle they own. Fear of losing their vehicle, and thus their home, can be debilitating.
In 2023, 35 % of our guests went into permanent housing. The average number of single adults who get housing is 11%, so we are pleased with the results this year. Several of our Parkers left the state for employment and /or to be near family. One Parker was asked to leave the program.
We have 20 volunteers who help with the program. Two people organize the meals offered on Tuesday nights. Many church members and friends provide these meals. The core team of four members rotate the leadership through the year. In November, we offered a workshop on setting boundaries and dealing with secondhand traumatic stress. All volunteers and anyone interested in the program were invited to attend the lecture and brunch. It was very well attended, and we added 4 very well qualified volunteers to our roster.
Obtaining permanent affordable housing has become more difficult. The influx of migrants has increased the demand, and we see the effect of that demand on our search. Although housing facilities are being added, the new programs cannot meet the need. For that reason, many of our guests are staying longer as they continue to look for housing.
In Late December, we were informed that CSPI no longer had funds to support the critical needs of the individuals in our program. We thought this funding cut was for the remainder of 2023 and, with the help of our members, made it through a freezing period. In early January it was made clear that the budget cuts were going to carry through 2024. The new city administration rewrote the contract that had been agreed upon with CSPI. Two proposed Denver safe parking lots were put on hold, and we learned that our financial assistance from CSPI would be limited to the cost of the porta-potty and a case worker. We still have CSPI’s administrative support in selecting guests and hosting team meetings, but there is no money for critical needs.
What we have lost is the ability to help our guests with unexpected issues such as car maintenance and repairs, registrations, insurance, overnight shelter in extreme weather or in the case of illness, pet care and other costs of living.
We have spent many hours in the first two months of 2024 addressing this issue. We have met with the mayor’s representatives, Councilwoman Romero Campbell and her staff, and our committee. At the mayor’s request, we have put in writing what we have lost because of the budget cuts. We have examined possible scenarios going forward. We are writing a grant from the Unitarian Universalist Association and are trying to find other sources of financial support. We have contacted the media to gain public awareness and have received support from many outlets. We are working hard to maintain the program at a high level, and this is a challenge.
The church budget is generous and supportive, but it is not sustaining. Most of our guests have been able to get motel vouchers (when they are offered) through HAAT Force when temperatures are below 18 degrees dry, or 28 degrees wet. In addition, the Church has offered shelter to those who do not get vouchers from HAAT Force. This is dependent on church members being available to host. To date, this option has been offered three times. We have also made available two outside plug-ins for those who have electrical heating devices. This option requires parking near the church in the east lot.
On the positive side, one of our guests has recently obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and moved into affordable housing. The parking community has been understanding of the new circumstances and has helped make the program work and maintained a positive attitude. They continue to share resources and opportunities with each other, and in some ways, they have become closer.
We know how vital this Safe Parking Program is, and we are working very hard to continue to operate at a high level. It does make a difference to many people’s lives. We want them to thrive – not just survive.
We welcome your support and if you have any ideas to share, please reach out.
You may contact us at spp@firstuniversalist.org or (719) 399-1715.