Families staying at the Rose Canyon Safe Parking lot are enjoying some upgraded amenities. Program operator Jewish Family Service (JFS) of San Diego unveiled a newly renovated common space – created to bring comfort, connection and a sense of home to the families staying at the site. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, JFS staff and community partners celebrated the transformation of this space into a welcoming environment where children, youth and parents can gather, share meals, study and simply be together as they work toward more stable housing.

With the renovation, families at the Rose Canyon lot now have a place where they can cook using new appliances, enjoy meals around shared tables, help their children with homework and watch younger kids explore a colorful new play area.

“The City’s partnership with Jewish Family Service to operate our Safe Parking Program is delivering real results,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “Jewish Family Service sets the standard for how to pair shelter with services, transforming a safe place to sleep into a pathway to stability for families. Support from a generous community donor and nonprofit partners is helping expand this impact and demonstrates the power of partnership in reducing homelessness.”

The renovation includes new appliances, updated electrical systems, new furniture and thoughtful touches of décor and art – all working together to make the space more functional, beautiful and inviting for group gatherings, meetings and support services. This project reflects a true community effort and was made possible through a generous gift from philanthropists Hanna and Mark Gleiberman, along with key support from HomeAid San Diego, Humble Design San Diego and Swinerton, who contributed labor and materials. Swinerton and HomeAid handled demolition, cabinetry, flooring, appliances and electrical upgrades, while Humble Design enhanced the space with décor, toys, furniture, games and a phone charging station.

The Gleibermans were inspired to lead the project after hearing the vision from their daughter-in-law, Samantha Gleiberman – a longtime volunteer with the Safe Parking Program. As a mother, Samantha imagined a space where parents and children could feel safe, comfortable and connected – a place that felt less like a temporary stop and more equipped with the comforts of home.

“Hanna and I care deeply about this community and the families who are moving forward with the support of the Safe Parking Program,” said Mark Gleiberman. “When Samantha shared her vision for a space that provided a sense of comfort and home, it immediately resonated with us. Our hope is that this space brings moments of peace, connection and dignity to everyone who spends time here as they work toward more stable housing.”

As one Safe Parking Program guest, Karla, a mother of seven, shared, “We no longer say we are going to the lot; we say we are going home.”

The Rose Canyon Safe Parking site – primarily serving families – features 18 City-provided recreational camper trailers and offers a safe, secure place to sleep seven days a week for families living in their vehicles while they work with JFS staff and case managers to secure and move into more stable housing. The program provides essential resources, compassionate support and a sense of stability to families during this period of transition. Guests also have access to bathrooms, handwashing stations, hygiene supplies and meals provided through community donations.

“Across our six Safe Parking sites, every person we meet is working incredibly hard to regain stability and rebuild their lives. Moving from a vehicle into stable housing takes time, persistence and support – and we walk that journey with each family and individual,” said JFS CEO Dana Toppel. “On average, more than one third of our Safe Parking guests successfully transition into more stable housing. Our programs are designed to lift people up, interrupt the downward spiral of homelessness, and offer dignity, hope, and real pathways forward. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Gloria, the City of San Diego, the Gleiberman Family and all the partners on this project whose generosity and commitment help make this work possible for our neighbors.”

The Rose Canyon site is one of four City of San Diego-funded Safe Parking lots operated by JFS. The program serves a high percentage of people experiencing homelessness for the first time, who typically have income through employment or benefits and need a safe place to get back on their feet.

Among other resources, the Safe Parking Program can assist with supportive housing applications, benefits assistance, job placement and/or deposits or first month’s rent. The City encourages individuals in need to schedule an intake session with JFS via an online form or by calling 858-637-3373.   

To host a dinner at a Safe Parking Program lot, email safeparkingdinners@jfssd.org or call 858-637-3050.