Safe parking could be part of Portland’s homelessness response | Letter
Portland Officials Weigh “Safe‑Parking” Option for Car‑Living Residents
Portland, ME – A recent conversation between a local resident and a man living in his vehicle has sparked renewed discussion in the city’s homeless‑services circles about the possibility of creating designated overnight parking areas for people who prefer to stay in their cars.
The man, who has a dog that shelters do not allow, said he chooses to stay in his vehicle because “that is not a place you want to be,” and that he feels safer in his car than in a shelter. He routinely moves between different parking spots around Portland, searching for a quiet location where he can sleep.
After learning of the situation, a Falmouth‑area resident called the city’s downtown shelter to ask whether the man could sleep in his car in the shelter’s parking lot and use its restroom facilities. Shelter staff answered that the request could not be accommodated.
“Unfortunately, we don’t allow vehicles in the lot for overnight stays,” the shelter spokesperson explained. “Our policy is designed to keep the facility safe and secure for all guests.”
The exchange has led the resident to question whether shelters should consider alternative accommodations for unhoused people who are unwilling or unable to use traditional facilities. The idea, she says, would involve establishing “designated, legal, overnight parking areas” equipped with portable toilets, security cameras, and regular maintenance. She argues that such a program could be less costly than running full‑time shelters and would provide a safer, more practical option for those already living in vehicles.
“We’re not proposing a cure for homelessness, but we can offer a dignified alternative for people who are already on the road,” the resident wrote. “It’s about common sense and respecting the humanity of those who are homeless.”
City officials have not yet released a formal statement on the proposal. The Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on homelessness services next month, during which this “safe‑parking” concept may be discussed. In the meantime, the shelter’s policy remains unchanged, and residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact the city’s Department of Human Services for guidance and resources.
