With San Jose’s second safe parking site opening, dozens of homeless people living in RVs have a place to land without fear of getting swept — and can be connected to services to help them get back on their feet.
The safe parking site at 1300 Berryessa Road welcomed eight RVs Monday, its first day in operation, and can accommodate up to 86 RVs. So far about 40 people are on the list to move in during the coming weeks, with more to follow as outreach workers contact individuals. People living in their RVs in a 1.5-mile radius around the site have priority, and participants aren’t required to have up to date registration or insurance to be accepted.
The city spent $9.7 million to build the site, down from an initial $16 million projection due to reducing buildings for staff. The city agreed to lease the property from a private owner for $1.7 million annually for at least 10 years.
“I’m thrilled about the opening of the Berryessa safe parking site, a significant step in addressing the challenges of vehicle encampments in our community,” District 4 Councilmember David Cohen, who represents the area, previously told San José Spotlight. “This site will provide a safe, secure place for our unhoused neighbors to park while connecting them with vital services. It will also bring much-needed relief to residents dealing with the impacts of blight.”
The city awarded nonprofit WeHope a $2.8-million contract for one year to oversee the site and provide supportive services, such as case management, sanitation and food. There will also be 24/7 security. Chief Operating Officer Alicia Garcia said the site will include classes in financial literacy, problem solving, resume building and a 12-step recovery program. Job training could also be provided if there is enough interest.
“We’re exceptionally thrilled to be able to provide services to the marginalized members of the community,” Garcia told San José Spotlight. “They came in and they were very happy to be there, and we’re just honored to be able to serve them.”
Down the street from the safe parking site, about 10 RVs and trailers are parked near the intersection of Berryessa and Mabury roads.
Carlos Martinez, 51, lives in one of the trailers and said he’s waiting to see if he can get into the site. He’s been calling everyday to check the status of his application.
“If I don’t get in there, I’m gonna be living on the freeway again,” Martinez told San José Spotlight.
The city has started temporarily banning RVs and other lived-in vehicles in designated areas. Under a $3.3 million pilot program, the city has chosen 30 temporary tow-away zones to clear lived-in vehicles for street sweeping and cleanup throughout the year. It will establish a new temporary tow-away zone every week.
The area where Martinez is parked is scheduled to become a tow-away zone sometime in April or June. Martinez said he doesn’t know what he will do if he gets swept. Before becoming homeless almost a decade ago, he was a sales manager at Home Depot. After losing custody of his kids, his situation spiraled.
“I don’t want to lose my trailer,” he said.
Carol Roberts, 57, said she will be able to breathe easier when she gets into the safe parking site this week.
“I’m so excited about moving in, I don’t have to worry about the police rolling up on me,” Roberts told San José Spotlight. “It’s going to be much better with people on hand, like case managers, who can help us find our permanent residences.”
San Jose’s first safe parking site opened in South San Jose at the Santa Teresa VTA light rail station July 2023, and provides 42 spaces for homeless people living in their vehicles. The combined 128 RV spaces across both sites isn’t enough for the more than 1,000 people living in their vehicles.
“Each councilmember needs to open their own RV safe parking site,” homeless advocate Gail Osmer told San José Spotlight.
Contact Joyce Chu at [email protected] or @joyce_speaks on X.
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