Cars to Housing

About 30% of unsheltered people in Snohomish County – most of them families – live in their vehicles. Fewer vacancies at many emergency shelters means that many families choose to live in their vehicles just so that they can stay together.

Cars to Housing is a safe parking site that serves families who are living in their vehicles with short-term stays while they await a shelter unit. 

The goal is simple: Help families transition into emergency shelter as soon as possible with a safe place to park.

Call (425) 200-5121 to request safe parking and shelter.

Everett Faith in Action and the Interfaith Family Shelter partnered to launch this innovative program in August, 2019. The City of Everett awarded an initial grant of $25,000 for site enhancements and case management services. We are grateful for the support from our community sponsors to launch this program, including: Everett Foursquare, First Presbyterian Everett, Bethel Baptist, Everett United Church of Christ, Our Savior’s Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran Everett, Millenia Ministries, Reach Church, Mercy Watch, and Everett Gospel Mission.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does it work?

Cars to Housing is hosted at a local church in Everett. All operations and case management services are provided by Interfaith Family Shelter. This program is designed for short-term stays for families awaiting an available shelter unit at one of our shelter locations.

This service is only available to families with children. During enrollment, our clients are issued a parking permit to validate their participation. We also provide a portable toilet for our clients’ convenience. Case management services – including screening, intake, parking resident affairs and rehousing plans – are provided onsite. Pets are allowed, but must remain under their owner’s control at all times. The following are not allowed under any circumstances:

• open flames
• illegal activities or behaviors
• weapons
• substance use

Does this program decrease neighborhood safety? No. Based on other well-proven safe parking models, safe parking lots actually enhance overall neighborhood safety. This is because client families, who are concerned about their own wellbeing and sleep safety, are usually the first to report any unwelcome or suspicious behavior.

How is local law enforcement involved? Interfaith Family Shelter and Everett Faith in Action representatives work with local law enforcement and emergency personnel to establish safety measures and best practices.

How will local property values be affected by this program? We believe that property values will not be impacted by this program. Typically, property values are negatively impacted when families experiencing vehicular homelessness are forced to park in random places on neighborhood streets. Cars to Housing helps alleviate this problem by providing client families with a safe designated parking space, while they receive rehousing case management services.

How can I help the Cars to Housing program succeed? You can support this innovative program by supporting the Interfaith Family Shelter. Financial donations are always appreciated! In-kind donations – specifically non-perishable food, and gas cards – are also very useful. Click here for more information on how to help.

If you are an individual and in need of safe parking, below are other known safe parking sites:

• Safe Parking at Lake Washington UMC: 425-885-3311.
• Car Camp at Edmonds UUC: 425-778-0373.

Other resources if you are currently experiencing homelessness:

• Call 2-1-1 for connections to other available shelters.
• Follow the Snohomish County Public Safety Hub for Cold Weather Shelter openings.
• Carnegie Resource Center
• HASCO’s Low Income and Homeless Resource Guide