H.R. 5018: Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025, aims to amend the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to support homeless individuals living in vehicles. It does this by adding provisions for safe overnight parking facilities that can be funded through Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG).

Key Provisions

• Emergency Solutions Grant Program: The bill authorizes the use of funds from the ESG program to maintain, operate, insure, and provide utilities for safe parking facilities. This allows local governments and organizations to secure resources for managing these facilities.
• Definition of Safe Parking: The bill defines "safe parking" as a service that provides a secure place for homeless individuals living in vehicles to park overnight. This includes support for transitioning to stable housing and offering re-housing and supportive services.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this bill are to:

• Provide a safe and designated place for homeless individuals living in vehicles to spend the night.
• Assist these individuals in accessing resources that can lead to more stable housing situations.

Implementation

By allowing the use of ESG funds for these purposes, the bill enables local municipalities and nonprofit organizations to create and operate safe parking programs. These programs may include amenities such as security, sanitation facilities, and social services aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness.

Potential Impact

Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the support network for homeless individuals by specifically addressing those living in vehicles. It recognizes the challenges faced by this demographic and aims to provide both immediate safety and a path toward permanent housing solutions.

Relevant Companies

• None found