INDIANAPOLIS — Safe Park Indy provides safe overnight parking, basic amenities and a connection to social services for the unhoused in Indianapolis living in their cars due to homelessness. They are the first safe and so far only safe parking organization in Indiana.
Safe parking is a tested and proven strategy that has bridged the gap for homeless individuals in communities across the country for 20+ years. Safe parking provides access to safe, legal overnight parking for individuals and families living in their vehicles due to homelessness, along with a connection to social services, and access to basic human services, like clean water, food, restrooms and phone charging stations. Locations such as businesses and places of worship provide their parking lots for use during the evening, overnight and early morning hours to host unhoused individuals in their cars.
The program will increase safety and security for the unhoused and their property, increase access to services and educational or employment opportunities, and provide peace of mind for them.
Safe parking is not intended to be a permanent solution, but rather helps people stay safe — and connected to social services — while on the path to finding stable housing.
The 2024 Point-in-Time Count identified more than 1,700 homeless individuals in Indianapolis. But because most surveys of people experiencing homelessness exclude or undercount people living in their vehicles, the actual number of individuals experiencing vehicular homelessness is unknown; some experts estimate more than 100,000 nationwide. Sheltering in vehicles is often a first stop for individuals who lose permanent housing. Without intervention and support, many fall deeper into homelessness and may eventually end up on the streets.
Individuals who participate in Safe Park Indy will be carefully screened for criminal histories, and must sign and agree to the Client Code of Conduct. Everyone is welcome, including pets. There will be no RVs, campers, trailers, or buses allowed.
Lot locations are not made public. Once a client is admitted into the program, they will be provided with the lot location. The lot is located on the northeast side of town. Check-in times are between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Quiet hours are observed from 10pm – 5am.
If you or someone you know is living in their vehicle, visit safeparkindy.org to apply for help. There is already a wait list to participate.