San José’s Santa Teresa Safe Parking Program Marks Three Years of Helping Clients Transition to Stable Housing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San José’s Santa Teresa Safe Parking Program Marks Three Years of Helping Clients Transition to Stable Housing

Of the 24 households that exited the program over the past year, 23 transitioned to positive housing outcomes, significantly exceeding the program goal that 45% of exits be positive.

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. — June 26, 2026 — Three years after opening, the Santa Teresa Safe Parking Program continues to help households experiencing vehicle homelessness move toward stable housing through safe parking, housing navigation, case management and supportive services. 

Over the past 12 months, 24 households exited the program. Twenty-three of those households transitioned to positive housing outcomes, significantly exceeding the program’s goal that 45% of exits be positive. 

Since opening in July of 2023, the LifeMoves-operated program has served 127 individuals across 91 households, providing a safe place to stay while helping participants connect to housing, employment, benefits and other supportive services designed to promote long-term stability. 

As communities across California seek effective responses to a growing number of people living in vehicles because of rising housing costs, fixed incomes and economic instability, Santa Teresa Safe Parking provides a structured alternative to unsheltered homelessness while helping participants take meaningful steps toward permanent housing. 

“These outcomes show what is possible when people have access to safety, stability and individualized support,” said Nicholas Hodges, interim CEO of LifeMoves. “The Santa Theresa Safe Parking Program creates an entry point to services and housing that helps people move from crisis toward long-term stability.” 

The program was established through a partnership between the Valley Transit Authority and the City of San José with LifeMoves serving as the program administrator, providing a pathway from vehicle homelessness to housing stability.

Program Highlights:

• 24 households exited the program during the past 12 months.
• Twenty-three of those households (96%) exited to positive housing outcomes, exceeding the program goal that 45% of exits be positive.
• 91 households have been served since opening in 2023.
• Participants rated their experience 9.65 out of 10 on average. 
• Approximately 47% of participants report one or more documented disabilities.

Serving Clients with Complex Housing Barriers

Santa Teresa Safe Parking Site serves one of the most vulnerable populations within the City’s homeless services system. Participants have a median age of 57, and nearly half report or more documented disabilities.

Many participants face significant barriers to housing, including fixed incomes, chronic health conditions and limited access to technology and other resources. At the same time, many do not qualify for the highest-priority housing interventions despite experiencing ongoing housing instability. 

Because many participants are older adults or individuals living with disabilities, their path to permanent housing often requires additional time and individualized support. LifeMoves staff work closely with each participant to address barriers, coordinate services and help ensure they transition to housing successfully when opportunities become available.

Program leaders attribute the site’s positive outcomes to a coordinated approach that combines safe parking with housing navigation, case management and strong partnerships with community organizations and service providers. 

“A meaningful measure of success is when a participant feels ready to transition into interim housing,” said Santa Teresa Safe Parking Program Director Pascal Garcia-Montpetit, program director for Santa Teresa Safe Parking. “In many cases, we’re asking individuals who may not identify as unhoused to part with their most valuable possession and investment. Safe parking creates a space where community members will be far more likely to engage in services, receive guidance in addressing challenges to their health, financial stability and take steps towards sustainable long-term housing.”

Supporting Long-Term Housing Stability

Over the past three years, Santa Teresa Safe Parking has expanded beyond providing a safe place to park. Through partnerships with housing providers, healthcare organizations and community-based agencies, participants can access housing navigation, employment support, life-skills workshops, food assistance and other services designed to promote long-term stability.

LifeMoves recognized the program’s third anniversary on June 26 alongside clients, staff and community partners who have helped make the program’s success possible.

About LifeMoves
LifeMoves is the largest provider of interim housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Silicon Valley. As outlined in its most recent impact report, LifeMoves serves thousands of individuals annually through innovative programs and strong community partnerships, helping them return to stable housing and independence.

Media Contact:
Lauren Macmadu
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
LifeMoves
[email protected]
415-964-6187