New program provides free parking to individuals living in their cars in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — A new program will provide free parking to homeless individuals in the Circle City living in their cars.

Safe Park Indy introduced the new program, which began accepting new clients on Oct. 1, to provide free overnight parking for homeless individuals living out of their vehicles. According to a news release, the idea behind the initiative is to provide a space for individuals living out of their cars where they will not have to worry about police or property owners giving them any trouble.

The lot can be found on the city’s northeast side near a church the organization is partnering with where clients can access indoor bathroom facilities, a community space where they can relax, eat meals and charge devices such as cell phones.

Clients can remain in the lot for up to 60 days.

The news release confirmed that the lot would be open from 6 to 8 p.m., with registered individuals instructed to check out by 7 a.m. Quiet hours are also in effect from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The organization credited the West Coast with innovating the safe parking model that began over 20 years ago.

Today, more than 40 safe parking programs can be found throughout the country.

The organization said that while the model does not provide a permanent solution to homelessness, it does provide a short-term response to the ever-growing crisis.

“We know Safe Park Indy is just a small Band-Aid on a much bigger national problem. But while we wait sometimes decades for additional shelters and affordable housing to be built, there are people calling their cars home,” said Elizabeth Friedland, founder and executive director of Safe Park Indy. “What do you do with them in the meantime? How can we help them right now? That’s the role we play. Our biggest need right now is volunteers and donations. We are entirely volunteer run, and we rely on the generosity of Hoosiers to help us serve our homeless neighbors. We’re also continuing to expand, so we’re interested in talking to organizations that might be interested in serving as a lot host.”

An online application can be found here .

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