We hope that you are doing well and staying safe.  We wanted to write about an important issue in our community and ask if you are willing to help us be part of the solution.

 
San Diego has the 4th largest homeless population in the United States.
With more than 8,500 homeless individuals, our severe affordable housing shortage is only increasing this epidemic. 50% of San Diegans can't find housing they can afford, and without a strong financial footing, many low-income families are just one lost paycheck or financial crisis away from homelessness.  The waitlists for Section 8 housing are long, and many people and families have no choice but to live in their cars.  Without a safe, reliable place to sleep at night, those living in their cars are more likely to be victims of crime and also to receive costly citations, resulting in increased stress and further perpetuating the cycle of homelessness.

The Safe Parking Program at JFS provides more than just a dependable place to safely park at night.
Every night, Jewish Family Service ("JFS") operates the Safe Parking Program at 4 secure lots across San Diego County for individuals and families living out of their cars.  Program participants receive a comprehensive suite of services, including counseling, housing navigation, targeted financial assistance, asset-building coaching, hot meals, access to showers, bathrooms, and handwashing stations, and more to help individuals and families get back on their feet.  The program's wraparound, client-centered approach offers an individualized service plan to assist in securing stable housing.

Safe Parking Program Fast Facts
- Approximately 61% of Safe Parking Program participants are first-time homeless.
- The majority have been homeless for less than a year, and many participants are still working full-time jobs.
- Between its launch in 2017 and July 2020, the Safe Parking Program has served 1,802 people.

Adam & Rachel Welland and David & Rachel Greenfield have created an impactful fundraising campaign that will help subsidize Safe Parking Program's operational costs, such as shower trailers, security, etc.  Times are especially hard these days for many, and JFS remains committed to serving the San Diego community in the most necessary and meaningful ways.  If you are able to donate, please consider supporting this cause.  We appreciate any amount of support you are able to give.  Thank you.