The City allows managed Safe Parking Shelter Sites, enabling those who are unhoused to park and live in their RV or car legally and safely.

While no one should have to live in a car, this approach to sheltering can help families and individuals get connected to services in a secure environment with consistent access to on-site toilets, storage, garbage removal, laundry, showers, and around -the- clock security assistance.

Already, there are several host sites across Salem where unsheltered individuals are permitted to temporarily park their vehicles for sleeping and living. Now, the City in partnership with shelter management by Church at the Park, can offer safe vehicle parking for more than one night at a time.

Unfortunately, vehicle residency is one of the fastest growing forms of homelessness in our area. Designating parking lots for those in need offers a prompt response in recognition of Salem's shelter crisis and rise in homelessness.

Managed Shelter Site

Address: 500 Block Commercial Street SE Salem, Oregon 97301
Parking Spaces: 16
Registration: Priority for families who are unsheltered with dependents
Services: Secure perimeter, electricity, toilets, potable water, case management, laundry, showers, storage.
Shelter Management: Church at the Park with 24/7 on-site staff.

Managed Safe Shelter Parking Explained

The model for managed safe parking consists of an on-site shelter management team, responsible for daily and nightly operations and guest services. Most managed safe car parking sites are centrally located to self-support agencies, public transportation, and urban areas. Guests are expected to comply with rules established by shelter management and commit to maintaining a clean and peaceful environment around their assigned parking space.

In Salem, safe parking sites will differentiate assigned parking for families and single adults, while also keeping the number of vehicles allowed under 30. Safe park guests are allowed to have visitors, pets, and access to storage for additional personal belongings.

Safe Parking Sites create a safe, clean, self- governed environment where economically- distressed residents can have their basic needs met until they are able to access another form of housing.