The purpose of Trinity UMC’s Safe Parking Program is to provide temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Our objective is to address challenges faced by those living in cars, such as parking regulations and lack of access to resources like restrooms. While the goal is permanent housing, the safe parking area will provide temporary safety and connection to human and social services. It will provide a paved parking area, garbage receptacles, Sani-can and portable wash station.
Partnering Agencies
- Peninsula Behavioral Health
- Serenity House – providing the washing station
- REdisCOVERY/ Olympic Peninsula Community Clinic
- OLYCAP (Olympic Community Action Programs)
- Goodman’s – providing the Sani-can
The Safe Parking Program
- A safe place for people to park overnight
- 3 to 5 vehicles (NO tents, campers or motor homes)
- Guests will be from the most vulnerable population.
- Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Guests will not stay in the designated parking area during the day.)
- Duration: 3 months with the possibility of renewing for another 3 months, depending on circumstances.
Requirements for Participants
- Candidates will be screened by OLYCAP, Peninsula Behavioral Health or Rediscovery.
- Candidates must have a case worker.
- Candidate must agree to have and pass a background check.
- Candidate must have a working vehicle and proof of auto insurance.
- Candidate must sign and follow the Services, Rights and Responsibilities.
Security
- The church has daylight control security cameras, motion sensor lights, access for egress for emergency service.
- In teams of 2, a volunteer and an OLYCAP paid staff will be on site for the first and last hours.
- Self –security
- We intend to hire our security company to do a random drive though each night.
- When the Sequim Police Department patrols Carrie Blake Park, they also will visually check the Safe Parking area.
- A placard listing the emergency protocols will be posted.
- In the event that a guest needs to have immediate care / shelter, the guest would be moved into the church building.