PARK-N-SLEEP Homeless Solutions Site for City Mayors

Alternative Homelessness Solutions for City Mayors and City Governments.

Problems and Conditions:
Homeless Conditions:

For various reasons, people find themselves in homeless conditions. Donations requested for the homeless are sometimes used to rent hotel rooms to escape the unforgiving weather. To support other needs and critical goals, homeless people need reliable and safe beds, especially overnight. Otherwise, family, work, health, emotional state and overall functionality will be further at risk.

Problem & amp; Traditional City Strategy:

Cities often find themselves unable to sustain the shelter needs of the homeless population, mainly due to financial constraints.

City management tries to best implement policies for both the traditional population and the homeless, but it is difficult to achieve a mix that accommodates both. Cities usually offer some form of shelter. However, availability is temporary and not guaranteed. Often city policies are against wandering, panhandling, sleeping in public or in cars. It is clear that cities need alternative homeless strategies to satisfy the interests of city management, business / housing entities and the homeless population.

Policy proposal:

Minimum Requirements:

One vacant lot, portable toilet facilities, and one staff person on duty are required to establish the minimum Park-N-Sleep site. Many should be enclosed by a wall or fence suitable for security and privacy. Although there will be emergency exits, there will only be one official entry and exit point monitored by a staff person on duty. Those who need a place to sleep will drive to the gate entrance, be greeted by staff on duty, directed to clearly posted site rules, provided with a vehicle pass for display and then allowed to park and sleep overnight.

Optional Modifications and Considerations:

Access can be more comprehensive by presenting a valid identification and filling out a registration form to include the names and ages of all car guests, vehicle identification data, the number of nights anticipated as guests and certification that all rules are understood and potential penalties for violations.

Parking lots can be added up to designate the reserved area. Sidewalk signs can outline traffic, entrances, and exits.

The Park-N-Sleep website can make available window covers, eye-blinders, earplugs, and other covers to filter out the occasional distraction. Do Not Disturb Signs for each car will keep out guests wanting privacy. Transactions can be free, loan, lease or purchase.

More formal sites can provide guests with a formal mailing address, using a personalized mailbox or letter basket for mail administration. Decision-makers should not underestimate this policy in order to meet employability requirements.

Paraphernalia homeless services, resources and contact phone numbers can be provided as papers.

Recommended Site Rules:

Banned:

Children who are not monitored for under 18 years of age.
Blowing horns, loud music, excessive engine revving / annoying sounds.
Hi / Lo beam headlights. (Assumes safe external lighting for driver safety.)
Pet.
Alcoholic drinks, illegal drugs, weapons, knives and other weapons. (strictly enforced by local law.)
Unlocked doors.
Cook.
Sexual activity or indecent exposure.
Tracing someone else’s car or property.
Littering and improper disposal of food.
Flat tire. (noncritical – recommended for general and moral appearance.)
Unofficial visit.
Ignore Do Not Disturb signs on guest cars. (except emergencies.)
General courtesy must be practiced at all times.

PARK-N-SLEEP is not responsible for any property or personal damage that occurs on the spot.

Vehicles, properties, and guests can search for contraband while on site.

You will be subject to DUI quietness and other testing.

Offenders are subject to temporary or permanent revocation of guest privileges and prosecution.

Site Selection:

Park-N-Sleep locations must be free from excess environmental noise, lights, and odors that will interfere with proper sleep. Site selection should also take into account proximity to required storage facilities and bus routes, especially for non-driving guests. Ideally, this site would be near affordable food places and a YMCA, YWCA or other affordable gym for bathing privileges. The selection should also consider average travel times to the most common subdivisions of work.

Toavoiding typical community objections, the site must not be within or adjacent to an established residential community.