Sonoma shelter won’t pursue homeless parking program

The nonprofit Sonoma Overnight Support will not seek renewal of the test program that allowed overnight parking this winter for people living in their cars. Demand for the five spaces during the December-March period was low, according to Kathy King, SOS executive director, and only a handful of people met the requirements set by city.

Five spaces in front of SOS’ Haven homeless shelter were made available for the program. The public lot at 151 First Street East also serves the Sonoma Police Department, a dog park and baseball fields.

For a report to city staff at a public meeting Wednesday night, King said several basic reasons were given by those who did not want to participate in the parking program. Some found the hours – 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with no late entry or in-out access – too restrictive, she said, while the location next to the police station made some uncomfortable.

“Unspoken but real, they did not want to be drug tested upon entrance to the program,” King said. Others were not eligible because they didn’t have a valid driver’s license or current vehicle registration, which were among the criteria set by the city.

“Last but not least, with the extremely cold and rainy winter, people found other alternative places to sleep,” said King. Many utilized an indoor program funded by the County and facilitated by SOS.

“We had 32 unique individuals that were brought to Sonoma Alliance Church with a total of 640 bed nights for 121 days,” King said. “People were given a hot meal at the Haven and transported by Vern’s taxi van to the church fellowship hall, then brought back in the morning for breakfast.

Demand for overnight parking spaces is higher in warmer months, when sleeping in a car is more comfortable. In June of 2016, for example, SOS identified 26 people living in their vehicles. “By the time we got to December we only had 10,” King said.

“In light of the (feedback), SOS will not ask for an extension, nor to renew it, at this time.”

King said the experiment, which included protracted negotiations with the city and many discussions with concerned neighbors, was worth it.

“All in all it was a positive experience that got SOS lots of support from the community, the City Council of Sonoma and from churches, individuals and the police,” King said. “SOS was able to forge a good relationship with our First Street neighbors who are now openly engaged in helping SOS reach out to those in need.”