Colorado Safe Parking to Decentralize

The Colorado Safe Parking Initiative (CSPI) will decentralize its Metro Denver safe lots beginning on December 31, 2024.

Five years ago, a group of volunteers and local faith communities came together to figure out how to provide safe places for people sheltering in their vehicles to park overnight. 

From 2020 to 2023, mainly due to funding streams related to the COVID-19 pandemic and ARPA (the American Rescue Plan Act), CSPI grew to offer “safe lots” in five counties. More than 100 people slept safely every night, formed communities, and found their way into permanent shelter. 

Hundreds of people, philanthropic organizations, and local governments generously supported this work. However, available government funding is no longer sufficient to support the Colorado Safe Parking Initiative's central operations, and the organization does not expect that situation to improve in the coming years. 

CSPI has proudly demonstrated the effectiveness of safe parking as a community-based intervention for those experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles. The need for safe parking remains great. Last year, CSPI received over 1,700 calls for help, and at least 799 people in the Denver Metro area live in vehicles.  

While CSPI will no longer provide centralized services, many of its partners will continue to operate in partnership with nonprofit and government partners in their communities. In this way, the work of safe parking continues in Metro Denver.

Learn more about CSPI and its next steps at www.colosafeparking.org.