City opens third request for safe parking pilot operator

The City of Bellevue has been seeking the right human services organization this year to manage a pilot program to provide safe parking facilities for community members in Bellevue living in their vehicles. In a recent count in Bellevue, the city’s homelessness outreach staff and partners confirmed at least 54 residents in the city were living in vehicles. 

Prior requests for operator proposals did not yield proposals that demonstrated the right mix of experience and ability to fully operate the program. After working closely with community partners to determine the needs and abilities of varying groups interested in operating the program, the city has opened a third-round request for proposals for community organizations interested in operating the program either alone or cooperatively with another partner. Responses are due by 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3. The city still hopes to launch the safe parking pilot program by the end of the year. 

Bellevue’s safe parking investment includes up to $450,000 per year through 2024 to facilitate safe parking for up to 20 vehicles on city-owned property and provide case management and support to participants in that lot and other safe parking programs.  

Participants will have nearby access to bathrooms, water and showers, as well as case management and related services. The operator will need to complete a site safety plan and must ensure the program is able to successfully support clients and engage with the surrounding community. 

To access the application, organizations must first register on Public Purchase, the platform used by the city to collect proposals. Instructions for completing a proposal can be found at Bid Opportunities. Translated requests for proposals and applications are available upon request.  

The city has been interested in developing a safe parking program since 2018; the City Council identified such a program as a priority in 2021.  

On-site services offered by contracted program staff will focus on helping vehicle residents to achieve permanent housing – employment and education assistance, along with help navigating housing systems, obtaining documentation of identity and overcoming medical or mental health barriers. Once an operator is selected, the council must approve the contract before the program can begin. 

Details about the program and the latest information on implementation are available at Safe Parking Pilot.