Shelter & Safe Parking Program

The City has two Safe Parking Programs for oversized vehicles (referral required)

The Long-term Safe Parking Program provides 24/7 parking and participants may stay up to six months. Case management, housing navigation, health care, and hygiene services are provided on-site. Space is limited for this program. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. Call 831-515-8665 or email RVsafeparking@thefreeguide.org to enroll and learn more about the program.

The Overnight Safe Parking Program provides overnight space and participants can stay up to 30 says with the possibility of an extension. Hygiene services and refuse disposal are available on site. There is currently space in this program, with the ability to expand if necessary. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. Call 831-420-5093 or email: safeparking@santacruzca.gov to enroll and learn more about the program. See below for list of locations.

It is the policy of the City of Santa Cruz to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. To request a disability related accommodation, please call 831 420-5093 or complete the form and return to 809 Center St., Room 10, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060.

FAQ about the Safe Parking Program

  • Is the Safe Parking Program only for oversized vehicle vehicles?

Yes. The City’s Safe Parking Programs are designed for oversized vehicles that are larger than 20’long and/or more than 7’ wide and 8’ tall.Does the City have any safe parking programs for regular sized cars over night?At present, the City does not have a safe parking program for regular sized cars. 

  • How do people find out about Safe Parking Program?

The City conducts ongoing community outreach to people living in RVs. In addition,  Information about Safe Parking gets shared with people in need via word-of-mouth.

  • What is the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance?

Anyone who would like to park their oversized vehicle on the street overnight in the City of Santa Cruz between midnight and 5:00 a.m. will be required to purchase a permit, and those who live in their oversized vehicles may enroll in an off-street Safe Parking program. An oversized vehicle is defined as: (a) more than 20’ in length, or (b) more than 8’ tall and more than 7’ wide. Learn more about the ordinance and parking permits at CityofSantaCruz.com/OVO.

  • Can I show up at a Safe Parking location and park for the night?

No. Our Safe Parking programs require that participants go through an enrollment process with City staff. To enroll, call 831-420-5093 or email: safeparking@santacruzca.gov. We aim to offer a positive experience for participants and this process ensures that we know who is participating in the program and  allows us to support them with services they may need. Parking spots are pre-assigned to enrolled program participants and every vehicle will receive an overnight parking permit. Vehicles parked in this lot without an overnight parking permit may be ticketed and towed. There is currently space in this program with the ability to expand if necessary.

  • Where are the Overnight Safe Parking Program lots located? 

Lot 2 1110 Cedar St (closest cross street Center)

Lot 3 800 Cedar St (between Church and Walnut);

Lot 17 127 Laurel Street Extension (closest cross street, Spruce St)

Shelter Programs

All City shelter sites require a referral and enrollment process (no drop-in access). Many program participants have been working with shelter staff prior to enrollment to ensure that they are a good fit for the program. Availability at shelter sites is limited and changes regularly. Individuals interested in shelter programs can contact City staff at 831-420-5093. City shelter sites are not open to the public. 

River Street Transitional Community Camp (referral required)

Located on City-owned property, River Street Transitional Community Camp is part of the City’s temporary, tent-based safe-sleeping program.  This site provides:

  • Space for up to 30 tents: Secure and supportive environment

  • Access to basic services such as hygiene services, community space, and cooking spaces

  • Collaborative work to maintain shared spaces

  • Daily oversight and support from City Outreach Team

  • Consistent interaction with case managers

Effective shelter practice requires listening to people with lived expertise and making cultural, philosophical, and operational shifts according to their feedback. This shelter program was developed with specific input from unhoused community on the barriers to accepting shelter, ideal on-site services and more. The operations model starts with deepening relationships with unhoused people to better understand the needs, challenges, and perspectives affecting their housing.

City Overlook (referral required)

Located on state-owned property, the City Overlook is part of the City’s temporary, tent-based safe sleeping program. This site provides:

  • Space for up to 135 tents

  • 24/7 staff support

  • Three meals a day

  • Hygiene facilities

  • Electrical charging

  • Access to health care Transportation to and from the site In-person support services

  • Reliable space to meet with case workers and service providers

The Homeless Persons Health Project, a program of Santa Cruz County, brings their mobile health unit, doctors, and other health care providers twice a month to offer General medicine, Urgent care, Wound care, Vaccinations Preventative care, Medication assisted treatment, and Care coordination.

Participants meet with shelter staff regularly to remove barriers to jobs and housing. Supports include help applying for housing, job interview coordination, setting appointments to see apartments, and more. 

Extreme Weather Shelter (activated only in times of need; no referral needed)

To protect the unhoused from a severe weather system and possible flooding, temporary protective extreme weather shelters may be activated.  Extreme weather conditions are defined as either two or more consecutive days with predicted temperatures at or below 38F or in the event of a formal flood warning due to anticipated heavy rains. The shelter system is the result of a collaboration between the County of Santa Cruz, City of Santa Cruz, and City of Watsonville. Exact locations to be determined at time of event. 

The shelter sites provide beds on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference for people with disabilities and those experiencing significant health/safety risk sleeping outdoors. Cots, blankets, and ready-to-eat meals. Pets are allowed if they were leashed and can be kept under voice control. No aggressive animals will be allowed at shelter sites.

 

 

 

Back to top