Vista gets $65,000 from county toward safe parking for homeless

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The Paseo Santa Fe project in Vista, pictured in November 2021, includes a sign for the city. (Vista city photo)

OsideNews

OsideNewsThe city of Vista recently received $65,000 from San Diego County to help fund a safe-parking program for the homeless.

The goal of the program is to provide a safe location for homeless community members to park their vehicles or RVs overnight, the city explained in a Sept. 22 news release. Opening of the 25-space lot is expected by spring 2023.

Vista has committed $250,000 for two years of operation, according to the city’s announcement.

Safe parking programs have popped up in communities around the San Diego region over the past few years. In North County, Encinitas runs a parking lot for the homeless through Jewish Family Service. The nonprofit also works with the city of San Diego to offer spaces in Mission Valley.

Vista’s site will operate seven days a week and will include supplemental services, according to the city. Site users will have access to case management and housing navigation services as well as onsite restrooms, showers and other basic amenities. The location will also be pet-friendly and will focus on individuals and families as well as those fleeing domestic violence.

The county funding comes from a a $10 million grant program approved by supervisors in May. Oceanside received about $3 million for the city’s Navigation Center for homeless individuals and families.