By Post Staff

Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan has released a statement saying she is encouraged that the Oakland City Council has approved resolutions she introduced in partnership with Council President Nikki Bas and Councilmember Carroll Fife to support local faith-based congregations who use their properties as safe overnight parking to help Oakland’s unhoused population living in their vehicles.

The need for safe overnight parking is crucial and well-documented, according to Kaplan. In January 2022, the Point-In-Time Homeless Count and Survey revealed that there are more than 3,337 unsheltered individuals in Oakland, and the number of people living in their vehicles has increased. Homelessness is a complex crisis that requires both short-term and long-term solutions, she said.

The data shows that while the proportion of unhoused people living in tents has decreased in recent years, the proportion living in cars has increased. Therefore, this effort partners with local faith-based organizations to help those living in their vehicles, Kaplan said.

The Interfaith Council of Alameda County (ICAC) Safe Parking program provides safe and legal overnight parking at local churches. This program provides support for minor auto repairs, car registration and tickets, along with access to showers and laundry. It is an essential program for Oakland’s unhoused population that lives in their vehicles, including single adults, couples and families with small children, Kaplan said.“The Interfaith Council of Alameda County, in partnership with the Westside Missionary Baptist Church, has run a safe car park program for the last five years with many other congregations and partner nonprofits. With the leadership of Kaplan, on the Council, the Mayor’s office, Council President Nikki Bas, and Councilmember Carrol Fife, we were able to get a commitment of funding of $450,000 from the City of Oakland to expand our operations to three sites to continue to support the Oakland community living in their cars,” said Rev. Ken Chambers, ICAC president.Kaplan has pointed out that the city has money for the safe car park program but has not spent it.Oakland voters approved Measure Q with 68% of the vote. Measure Q promised voters park maintenance, litter reduction and homelessness intervention in and around city parks. However, the City Auditor found the City underspent collected taxes, accruing a fund balance of nearly $22 million as of June 30, 2023.

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