Clay Douglass, 55, stands outside of his car that he had been living out of in the parking lot of a motel in Troy on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. Douglass came to Michigan in search of a job and more opportunities. Instead, just before Christmas, he lost a place to live, his car and his dignity. But through the generosity of strangers, found redemption that helped him get his car back that was repossessed. Now, he's going back to Illinois, where he hopes to begin a job and restart his life.
Oceanside, California – Oceanside has launched its first “Safe Parking” site for residents living in their vehicles, a significant yet controversial move in the city’s efforts to address homelessness. Operated by the nonprofit Dreams for Change in partnership with the LGBTQ Resource Center, the lot accommodates up to 25 vehicles.
Caseworkers screen and refer participants, with priority given to those actively working toward stable housing. The site operates nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., providing access to restrooms, food, periodic showers, and case management. Though the program is low-barrier—meaning it does not require sobriety—Dreams for Change enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on substance abuse.
“It’s a good use of saving human dignity,” said Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce. “It’s a good use of taxpayer funds. It prevents the problem from growing before it gets too far out of hand.”
The initiative, primarily funded through state grants and charitable donations, will cost around $400,000 in its first year. It’s one of several steps Oceanside is taking to confront homelessness, which has increased 24% according to the city’s most recent Point-In-Time Count.
For many residents living in their vehicles, like Dawn Nyblade, the site offers more than just a place to park. “I feel a sense of place; like it’s okay to relax and sleep,” Nyblade said. “It’s wonderful not to get knocked on your window in the middle of the night.”
Still, not everyone in the neighborhood is on board. Apple Plaza sits in a working-class area already impacted by homelessness, and some nearby business owners and residents express concern. “As long as it’s safe, I don’t have a problem with it,” said neighbor Danielle Strong. Others, like business owner Beatriz Cervantes, worry about safety and parking for customers: “Sometimes we don’t have a place to park.”
City officials acknowledge the mixed reaction but emphasize that education and transparency can shift public opinion. “When people see it, understand the hours, understand who it’s serving — they’re generally very supportive,” Joyce said.
This program joins similar efforts in Encinitas and Vista, making Oceanside the third North County city to offer safe parking. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a stable foundation for people to move off the streets and into permanent housing — one parking space at a time.
