https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1184-1986
![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
The number of laws criminalizing homelessness is increasing in the United States. Simultaneously, more individuals are experiencing homelessness, and of those, an increasing number are experiencing vehicle homelessness. Safe parking lots, where people can legally shelter in their vehicles overnight, are one response to the criminalization of vehicle homelessness. Using a mixed-methods research design (n = 37), this study explores barriers to emergency shelters for people experiencing vehicle homelessness and the potential impact of safe parking lots. Our findings indicate that safety is a major concern for this population and safe parking lots have the potential to improve perceptions of safety.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative participants, volunteers, and staff for their input and partnership.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).