As part of its efforts to address homelessness, the city launched a safe parking pilot program in spring 2024 to support Bellevue residents living in their vehicles. The program is operated by local nonprofit 4 Tomorrow.
The primary goal of Bellevue's Safe Parking program is to provide stabilization to individuals as they seek permanent housing. The program provides a clean, safe, off-street parking area, with nearby access to bathrooms, showers and kitchen facilities, as well as case management and related services to support residents.
The program serves individuals of any demographic background using their vehicle as a sole place of residence, with a primary focus on families with children. It provides services and resources that aid clients in their search for housing.
As of February 2026, Bellevue's Safe Parking program has served a total of 73 households, including 95 children. More than 72% of these households (53 in total) have been able to move out of homelessness as a direct result of program support.
If you are currently in need of safe parking services, visit Shelters and Safe Parking. If you are experiencing homelessness and would like assistance or have additional questions about the Safe Parking program, please contact Nico Quijano at 425-452-4105 or nquijano@bellevuewa.gov.
What is Safe Parking?
Safe parking programs offer a designated place for people living in their vehicles to park. The city's program provides a safe place to park for families with children who are living in their vehicles. The program is currently located on city-owned property near downtown Bellevue.
Participants receive direct support in overcoming barriers to finding housing from professional staff. They also have access to on-site laundry, shower and kitchen facilities, as well as indoor amenities during the day for families with children.
How many people can enroll in Bellevue’s Safe Parking?
The city’s program is capped at a maximum of 20 vehicles at a time. The average number of residents per vehicle to date is less than three (adults and children).
How are participants screened?
If a family experiencing homelessness and living in a vehicle is interested in the city’s Safe Parking program, they must go through several steps to join the program.
- Complete a pre-screening meeting with City of Bellevue Homelessness Outreach staff.
- Commit to a case plan that will put them on pathway to permanent housing within 90 days and agree to follow an on-site code of conduct.
- Meet with program staff from 4 Tomorrow.
- Pass a formal background check and agree to the program’s code of conduct.
What Safety Protocols are in Place?
Please see our Program Documents webpage.
Future Program Relocation
A portion of the property currently in use by the Safe Parking program is slated for demolition in 2026. The program will need to relocate.
One location being considered is Newport Presbyterian Church, which currently hosts a volunteer-run Safe Parking program for single women, offering spots to a maximum of eight vehicles at a time. If the City-funded program relocates to Newport Presbyterian, it would replace their current program. Total vehicle capacity would expand to twenty. The program operator would provide professional staffing and security, and participants would have access to kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities on site. The program would exclusively serve families with children living in passenger vehicles.
Permitting
Under state law (RCW 35.21.915), faith-based organizations are allowed to host programs for the homeless.
City permitting steps
- The Newport Presbyterian Church has submitted a land use and environmental (SEPA [State Environmental Policy Act]) permit application to move the city-funded program to a portion of Newport Presbyterian’s parking lot.
- The environmental permit review includes a public comment period. Once the permit is accepted for review, the City will issue notice that the public comment period will be opened.
- You can sign up here to receive the Development Services Department Weekly Permit Bulletin.
Questions? Feedback? Please reach out at homelessness@bellevuewa.gov.