Safe Parking sites in LA face closure as funding cuts threaten homeless services

LOS ANGELES - Dozens of people living in their cars in South Los Angeles and Compton could soon lose access to safe, designated parking sites as funding cuts threaten to shut down the program by the end of June. 

What we know:

HOPICS (Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System), a Los Angeles homeless services provider, says funding has been cut for all three of its safe parking sites, triggering a planned shutdown by June 30, 2026.

The sites, located in South Los Angeles and Compton, serve people and families living in their vehicles. According to the organization, about 36 households are currently enrolled, with capacity for around 60 spaces across the program.

HOPICS says each location offers security, showers, case management and connections to housing resources.

Without access to safe parking, the organization warns participants could be forced back into "unregulated and unsafe environments," increasing exposure to theft, harassment, citations and instability.

What they're saying:

"We have nowhere to go. We’re going to be sleeping in our car anywhere that we can. It’s not right," said Tanya Marshall who has been enrolled in the safe parking program for about three months. 

Marshall tells FOX11 she became homeless after a rent increase forced her out of housing while living with her daughter. 

"It’s very sad, very depressing. I have anxiety attacks. It’s just too much," said program participant Jamila Remzy.

Remzy says she has only been in the program for two weeks after a series of accidents and job loss left her unable to work consistently. 

Participants also raised concerns about the cost of living making it nearly impossible to transition into housing.

"You have to make two to three times rent just to get a place. Who makes that kind of money out here?" said Tasha Felder Chisman.

Timeline:

In February 2026, county officials approved a homelessness spending plan that outlined major funding changes, including the potential elimination of safe parking program funding.

Since then, the county has been working through its recommended budget phase, where final allocations and contracts are being determined ahead of the next fiscal year.

The final budget is expected to take effect July 1, 2026, when new contracts with service providers — including organizations like HOPICS — would be implemented.

The backstory:

Safe parking programs in Los Angeles were launched around 2017 as a response to the growing number of people living in their vehicles. The programs provide designated lots where participants can park overnight legally and safely, while also connecting them to services and housing support.

HOPICS operates as a contracted provider, receiving funding through a combination of city, county, state and federal sources, often distributed through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

Safe Parking LA officials say the majority of people using the program — about 80% — already have income, but still cannot afford housing. They say demand for spaces remains high and some sites across the region have already closed earlier this year.

Now, with the mayor’s budget decision expected soon, officials say critical decisions are still being made about whether programs like these will continue.

What we don't know:

It is still unclear whether emergency funding could be secured to keep the sites open beyond June 30.

City and county leaders have not publicly detailed whether alternative programs or placements will be available for the households currently enrolled.

It is also unclear how many additional safe parking sites across Los Angeles could be affected by similar funding cuts.