Carbajal Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Unlock Federal Funding for Safe Parking Programs

Washington, August 27, 2025
Tags: Housing

U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), along with Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-01), David Valadao (R-CA-22), and Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), reintroduced bipartisan legislation to unlock federal dollars for safe parking programs. Safe parking programs provide safe overnight parking locations for people experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles as well as supportive services, like rapid rehousing services and facilities like restrooms and showers. 

“For the past 20 years, I’ve been proud to support Santa Barbara’s safe parking program. It’s a proven initiative that has helped hundreds of Central Coast residents transition from homelessness into secure accommodations,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Santa Barbara has shown that investing in safe parking works. That’s why I’m reintroducing bipartisan legislation to expand this vital service nationwide.”

"Homelessness is not just an issue affecting big cities – it’s having an impact right in our own backyard in rural communities throughout the Central Valley,” said Rep. Valadao. “There’s not one easy solution to this complex issue, but Safe Parking Programs help to keep people off the streets as they work to find more permanent housing. This bipartisan bill is an important step to combat homelessness and ensure people have the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into our communities."

“Everyone deserves a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home,” said Rep. Vargas. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation to support safe parking programs and help those experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing.”

The Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act of 2025, named in honor of the two Santa Barbara County Supervisors who first developed the 2004 program, would allow federal housing funds to support safe parking programs by making these programs eligible for grants to support the operation and expansion of these critical lifelines.

Read the full bill text here. 

The bill is inspired by the nation’s first safe parking program in Santa Barbara, California. Carbajal helped establish the 2004 program through his role as a staff member for the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. The Santa Barbara program, overseen by the local nonprofit New Beginnings, has served as a model for similar programs across the United States.