San Diego has opened a new 190-space Safe Parking Program site at H Barracks, aimed at providing vehicle dwellers with necessary services to help prevent homelessness.
The Safe Parking Program offers a secure place for individuals, seniors, and families to stay while they access vital services and pursue stable housing.
Amenities at the site include restrooms, mental health services, and job training, with participants working alongside case managers to create individualized housing goals.
Recently, a judge ruled in favor of the city against a developer’s request for a temporary restraining order that sought to delay the opening of the H Barracks site.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria celebrated the ruling, stating, “This is a win for all San Diegans as it clears the way for the use of city-owned land near the airport for people living in vehicles to come off the streets to safety and get connected to the services that will help end their homelessness.”
He further noted that most individuals served in the Safe Parking Program have some form of income or employment, or have only recently faced homelessness.
“The Safe Parking Program ensures we intervene early and provide stabilization so people can get back on their feet — that’s what this new site at H Barracks will do for 190 individuals or families experiencing homelessness,” Mayor Gloria added.
According to city officials, H Barracks will feature onsite security during operational hours and is equipped to accommodate oversized vehicles such as RVs.
This facility is set to remain open through 2029, prior to the anticipated development of a San Diego Pure Water treatment facility at that location.
Public outreach efforts are already underway to inform those living in their vehicles about the new Safe Parking Program.
Matt Hoffman, the city’s media services coordinator, mentioned that the San Diego Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Division is actively reaching out to inform those affected about available options for oversized vehicles.
With the new opening, there are hopes that the additional spaces will assist in reinforcing enforcement measures, particularly regarding the Oversized Vehicle Ordinance.
Recent statistics reveal a staggering 44% increase in the number of San Diegans sleeping in their cars over the previous year, solidifying the urgent need for more safe parking options across the region.
Dr. Jennifer Campbell, District 2 City Councilmember, recognized the value of the Safe Parking Program, declaring it one of the city’s most successful homelessness initiatives that helps participants gain permanent housing and access supportive services.
The city, more recently, had reconsidered a previous plan to transform H Barracks into a comprehensive homelessness services shelter after facing pushback from local residents.
Concerns were raised that a traditional homeless shelter might pose safety risks to nearby businesses and schools located in Liberty Station.
Instead, the city shifted gears to develop a Safe Parking lot in response to community sentiment.
However, the community remains cautiously observant. Activists Margaret Virissimo and Derek Falconer expressed both relief and concern regarding H Barracks being repurposed for parking instead of shelter use.
Falconer noted, “We have not seen many cars parked in that lot,” referring to the operating hours of just 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
He raised a critical question: “Where are people going to go during the other 11 hours of the day?”
Virissimo mentioned that a significant number of reservations have been made, adding, “They said they already have 90-something reserved spots in H Barracks. Where are those reservations?”
In addition, Falconer highlighted another challenge, commenting on the city’s proposal to close an existing homeless shelter located off Rosecrans St. in the Midway District.
He expressed frustration, saying, “Why are we creating more shelters when we can’t afford to operate the ones we have? We need to make sure we can afford it before we spend all this money building these things.”
Virissimo echoed sentiments of vigilance, stating, “We’re keeping our eyes open, have community members going by the (H Barracks) site several times a week.”
Despite concerns, she remained hopeful, saying, “We’re seeing more local communities unite together seeking answers on how these safe parking sites are going to work. Hopefully, we can have a community conversation about it.”
The Safe Parking Program continues to evolve, aiming to provide shelter and resources to unsheltered San Diegans, guiding them towards permanent solutions.
This initiative is part of the city’s broader efforts to tackle homelessness and ensure the safety and well-being of all its residents.
image source from：https://timesofsandiego.com/life/2025/06/11/city-opens-h-barracks-site-safe-parking-program/
