San Diego’s Safe Parking Program offers free, secure overnight parking and support services to homeless individuals and families living in their vehicles. To enroll or check availability at city-funded parking lots, you must call the program operator, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), at (858) 637-3373.
Major Safe Parking Program Operators
Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)
Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is a non-profit human services organization, founded in 1918, that provides essential resources to San Diego residents regardless of religion, race, color, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. They operate from their headquarters at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus, located at 8804 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92123.
The JFS Safe Parking Program manages free, secure parking lots for individuals and families living in their vehicles. To check availability or enroll, you must contact the program’s dedicated line at (858) 637-3373.
How to Enroll
Call for an initial assessment: Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Online application: Complete the enrollment form on the JFS Safe Parking portal.
Mandatory requirements: You must have a working vehicle, agree to the parking lot rules, and participate in the case management program.
Parking Lot Types and Restrictions
JFS manages several parking lots to accommodate different types of vehicles and populations:
Parking for standard vehicles: Open to conventional cars, SUVs, and standard passenger vans.
Parking for oversized vehicles and RVs: Restricted to specific locations such as H Barracks (near the airport) and Mission Village Drive.
Family-only parking: Located at the former Central Elementary School site in City Heights; reserved strictly for families with children.
On-site Services
Basic needs: All parking lots feature 24-hour security, restrooms, hand-washing stations, and charging points for electronic devices.
Food: Free hot meals or fresh food distribution are provided nightly through community partnerships.
Housing guidance: Dedicated case managers will help you apply for permanent housing and financial benefits.
Dreams for Change
The Dreams for Change “Safe Parking” program provides safe, designated parking spaces for homeless individuals and families sheltering in their vehicles. To enroll or check availability at direct-access lots (which do not require an external referral), you can complete an online intake form or contact Dreams for Change at (619) 497-0236.
Parking Lot Locations and Enrollment Methods
Direct-Access Lots in San Diego and Oceanside
Dreams for Change operates regional parking lots using a direct-access (self-referral) system.
How to enroll: Complete the self-referral form for the San Diego Safe Parking program on their website or call (619) 497-0236.
Imperial Avenue Lot: Located at 5605 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92114. Typically operates overnight, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Grantville Lot: A County-supported site that accommodates vehicles and offers overnight stability and flexible assistance. Oceanside Lot: Operated in coordination with Oceanside Homeless Services for individuals living in vehicles in North County.
County-Assigned Sites (Referral Only)
Certain parking lots funded by San Diego County are reserved for direct assignment by agencies; they do not accept walk-ins or self-referral requests.
How to enroll: You must be assigned through the outreach teams of the County’s Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities (HSEC) division. You can request information by emailing HSEC-OHS.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov.
Designated locations: Includes the Magnolia lot (El Cajon area) and the Bancroft lot (Spring Valley).
Program Rules and Amenities
Basic facilities: Registered participants have overnight access to on-site security, restrooms, hand-washing stations, and device charging points.
Support services: Each participant is assigned a social worker to develop a housing action plan, gather necessary documentation, and access job training.
Vehicle restrictions: You must have a functioning vehicle. Tents, trailers, and standard recreational vehicles (RVs) are strictly prohibited at these specific sites.
Behavioral expectations: Drug and alcohol use, as well as the possession of weapons, are prohibited at all facilities. Participants must actively engage in programs aimed at securing permanent housing.
Available On-site Services
San Diego’s Safe Parking programs offer a combination of immediate stabilization services and strict operational rules to maintain site safety and assist participants in transitioning to permanent housing. The programs are primarily administered by Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) and Dreams for Change.
Basic needs assistance: All sites feature 24-hour security staff, functional restrooms, hand-washing stations, and shared device charging points.
Housing case management: Dedicated social workers will guide you through the housing search process, help you gather official documentation, and coordinate housing applications with support services.
Financial education and stabilization: Access to resources for credit repair, financial education, and career guidance to overcome employment barriers.
Nutritional support: Fresh meals or food staples are provided nightly through partnerships with regional food pantries and donor networks.
Emergency financial aid: Assistance programs are available to fund critical vehicle repairs, moving expenses, or security deposits for permanent rentals.
Specialized spaces for families: Designated sites, such as Rose Canyon and Central Elementary, include access to classroom trailers for students to do homework and kitchen areas for families.
Program Rules and Eligibility Requirements
Vehicle Operation: Your vehicle must be in good working order and registered; non-running cars and towed vehicles are not permitted.
Vehicle Restrictions: Standard cars and passenger vans are permitted at all sites, but recreational vehicles (RVs) and oversized vehicles are strictly restricted to designated sites, such as Mission Village or H Barracks.
Prohibition on Tents and Outdoor Gatherings: Sleeping outside the vehicle (in tents or in the open bed of a pickup truck) within the facility is strictly prohibited.
Stay Schedule: Traditional sites require arrival between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and all vehicles must vacate the site by 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. each day.
Safety Background Check: All adult participants must complete a basic safety screening; individuals listed on the California sex offender registry are ineligible by law.
Prohibited Items: Weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs, and campfires are strictly prohibited at all safe parking facilities.
