Vancouver Safe Parking Zone

The Vancouver City Council and C-TRAN Board of Directors have allowed the Evergreen Transit Center to be used as a temporary Safe Parking Zone. This program allows individuals who are living in their vehicles to have a safe and organized place to stay.

The Safe Parking Zone program began operating at the Evergreen Transit Center site in June 2020. With over 50 parking spaces assigned to cars and RVs, the program currently serves an average of 80 people and has been a vital resource to vulnerable community members. Portable restrooms, hand washing stations and trash services ensure a healthy environment. The Clark County Food Bank provides weekly delivery of shelf-stable food boxes to the site. A code of conduct, which summarizes expectations for the program, is mandatory for all participants in the Safe Parking Zone program. The site is well-supervised, with City staff on site daily and contracted security officers present at night.

Program Overview

The Safe Parking Zone is an organized site where people who live in their motor vehicles can park safely. It is located at the Evergreen Transit Center (1504 N.E. 138th Avenue), in partnership with C-TRAN.

Registered participants have access to restrooms (1 ADA portable toilet, 2 standard portable toilets), hand washing stations and garbage service at the Safe Parking Zone. There is no cost to register but space is limited and availability is first come, first served.

There is a limit of two adults per vehicle; families with children under the age of 18 are welcome. Pets are allowed but leash laws do apply and waste bags not provided.

When is the Safe Parking Zone open?

Program requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?

  • People who use a motor vehicle as their primary shelter
  • The Safe Parking Zone is not intended for day use or for people who have other shelter arrangements
  • Adults with a licensed motor vehicle (maximum of two adults per vehicle)
  • Children under the age of 18 with a registered adult

When is the Safe Parking Zone open?

  • To find out if space is currently available, email safeparking@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-8626 office or 360-947-6159 cell.
  • If the site reaches maximum capacity, a spot must become available before another participant will be allowed to register.
  • Once the site has reached maximum capacity, program staff will start a wait list for those who would like to be made aware of future openings.
  • There is no limit on parking for participants as long as the program is in operation.
  • The Safe Parking Zone will remain open as needed to comply with Washington’s Safe Start phased reopening plan. The exact closure date will be decided when Clark County reaches Phase 4 or when the location is no longer available for City use. On July 31, C-TRAN extended the contract to use the Evergreen Transit Center through Dec. 31.
  • Participants will be given a minimum of 12 hours notice to vacate when the closing date is confirmed.

Program Requirements

  • Participants are expected to follow Safe Start guidelines at all times
  • Remain in or around their vehicles
  • Practice social distancing of at least six feet with participants from other vehicles
  • Limit trips to qualified essential services (e.g. food, medicine)
  • Participants must sign and adhere to a Code of Conduct at registration to receive a placard for their vehicle
  • The Code of Conduct covers issues like the check-in/check-out process, social distancing, personal hygiene, site maintenance, alcohol and drug use and other prohibited behaviors. Read the Code of Conduct using the link in the right sidebar.

Safety Measures

  • Staff monitored program
  • 24 hour security on site
  • Participants who do not adhere to the Code of Conduct may be asked to leave

Miscellaneous

  • No cooking on site
  • Pets are allowed but leash laws do apply; pet waste bags are not provided
  • Site can accommodate 40 motor vehicles, including up to seven recreational vehicles (RVs)
  • Trailers are not allowed