Mountain View Council addresses safe parking program's low transition rate to permanent housing

Mountain View officials are taking significant steps to address the city's housing challenges, particularly for those experiencing homelessness. During the June 24, 2025, joint meeting of the City Council and the Shoreline Regional Park Community, discussions highlighted the current state of the safe parking program and the need for more permanent housing solutions.

The safe parking program, designed to provide temporary shelter for individuals living in their vehicles, reported a transition success rate of only 31% for the fiscal year 2023-2024, falling short of the county's benchmark of 50%. Human Services Manager Parnit Denza explained that while the program aims to guide residents toward stable housing, the lack of affordable housing options remains a significant barrier to success.

Housing Director Wayne Chair confirmed that the city has not recently funded any new permanent supportive housing projects. However, he noted that there are over 100 existing units and additional projects in the pipeline, including the Montecito project and the 87 East Evelyn project, which are expected to provide more than 100 new permanent supportive housing units.

The meeting also addressed the need for case management services, which are crucial for supporting individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. Chair emphasized that effective housing solutions must be paired with ongoing support services to meet the diverse needs of residents.

In addition to housing discussions, the council reviewed plans for improvements at McKelvey Ballpark, where sightline issues have hindered spectators' views of games. Assistant Public Works Director Ed Orango indicated that a project manager will be assigned to evaluate and design solutions over the next six months, with cost estimates to follow.

As Mountain View continues to navigate its housing crisis, city officials are committed to exploring new strategies and partnerships to enhance the availability of affordable housing and support services, aiming for a more effective response to homelessness in the community.