HEART of Davis Celebrates First Anniversary of Safe Heart Safe Parking Program

Program marks one year of providing safety, stability, and pathways to housing for neighbors living in their vehicles

(From press release) HEART of Davis is celebrating the first anniversary of its Safe Heart Safe Parking Program, the first and only program in Yolo County to provide a safe, legal place for people living in their vehicles to park overnight while accessing supportive services and working toward permanent housing.

Launched on July 1, 2025, Safe Heart was created to address a critical gap in services for people experiencing vehicular homelessness. In the City of Davis, where sleeping in vehicles is prohibited under the City’s anti-camping ordinance, the program offers a lawful alternative that combines overnight parking with case management, community support, and connections to essential resources.

“What began as a small pilot has become a proven model of compassionate, practical assistance,” said Shoshana Zatz, President of HEART of Davis. “Safe Heart demonstrates that when people are treated with dignity and offered stability, they are better able to take the next steps toward housing, employment, healthcare, and renewed independence.”

During its first year, Safe Heart:

• Interviewed 49 applicants for the program.
• Provided safe overnight parking to 29 individuals.
• Expanded from five pilot parking spaces to eight permanent spaces.
• Served participants ranging in age from 29 to 78, with an average age of 50 and nearly equal numbers of men and women.
• Achieved a 100% participant report of feeling safer and more secure while enrolled.
• Connected most participants with case management and supportive services.
• Helped many participants transition to permanent housing or other stable living arrangements, while others reunited with family members or relocated to communities where they had stronger support networks.

Participants typically remain in the program for three to four months, though the length of stay varies depending on individual circumstances.

Beyond providing a legal place to park overnight, Safe Heart offers a pathway toward greater stability. More than 70 volunteers help create a welcoming environment where participants build trust and receive assistance with housing applications, healthcare, legal services, employment, transportation, and vehicle repairs.

“Safe parking is about far more than a parking space,” said Nancy Morrow, Safe Heart Volunteer. “It’s about restoring a sense of security and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.”

Looking Ahead

Building on the program’s success, HEART of Davis plans to launch a second Safe Heart location this fall dedicated to college students who are living in their vehicles while pursuing their education. The student-focused site will provide safe overnight parking along with connections to campus and community resources that help students remain enrolled and succeed academically.

Community Support Makes the Program Possible

Safe Heart operates almost entirely through the efforts of volunteers and the generosity of community supporters. Operating costs average approximately $375 per parking space each month and include sanitation services, hospitality supplies, emergency assistance, hygiene resources, transportation assistance, vehicle repairs, program coordination, and supportive services. The program receives no funding from local, state, or federal government agencies.

Annual operating expenses include more than $7,000 for portable restroom and handwashing facilities alone, underscoring the importance of ongoing community investment.

As HEART prepares to expand services for students, community support will remain essential to sustaining and growing the program.

“Every donation helps provide safety, dignity, and hope for someone facing housing instability,” said Hasina Mamtaz, HEART of Davis Treasurer.  “Together, our community is proving that practical compassion can change lives.”

To learn more about the Safe Heart Safe Parking Program, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support HEART of Davis, visit https://heartofdavis.godaddysites.com/; Or contact heartofdavis@gmail.com.

About HEART of Davis: HEART of Davis (formerly the Interfaith Rotating Winter Shelter) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate, practical solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Through volunteer-driven programs and strong community partnerships, HEART works to create pathways to safety, stability, and long-term wellness for vulnerable members of the Davis community.