Jewish Community Safe Lots

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Amount:
$300,000
Year:
2019
Field of Interest:
Program Name:
Jewish Community Safe Lots
Grant Type:
Cutting Edge
Grant Website
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ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Established in 2016, with formal program operations launched in 2018, SPLA supports people who are living in their vehicles on their journey out of homelessness by providing them with a safe place to park at night, and connecting them with supportive services. Nine months into its first year of operation, SPLA is operating five “Safe Parking Lots” in LA County, open from 7 PM – 7 AM, including one at IKAR. These lots serve 60 vehicles and 75 people each night. The population served includes people who are underemployed or recently unemployed, 80% of whom are actively seeking employment or are working part-time, and 98% of whom are seeking permanent housing.

GRANT PURPOSE

To engage synagogues and their members in providing safe parking options and supportive services for individuals living in their vehicles, deepening the importance of social justice work within the Jewish community while combating homelessness in Los Angeles.

The Cutting Edge Grant will enable Safe Parking LA (SPALA) to advance its work with people living in their vehicles which it had already begun at [the spiritual community] IKAR,” said Scott Sale, M.D., SPALA executive director and co-founder. “This grant will also enable SPALA to broaden the Safe Parking concept into other synagogues within Los Angeles City and County as it attempts to provide refuge and connect the 15,000 persons presently living in vehicles.

Scott Sale, M.D.
Executive Director and Co-Founder