County Announces Official Closure Date for Oklahoma Site
Author: Homeless Services Division
Date:
2/5/2024 4:11:23 PM
People living at the Oklahoma Parking Site are asked to work with case managers as the County of San Luis Obispo prepares to close the site on March 18, 2024.
The County of San Luis Obispo will be officially closing the Oklahoma Parking Site on March 18, 2024. The Oklahoma Parking Site, located off Highway 1 on Oklahoma Avenue just north of San Luis Obispo, was originally established to provide people living in their vehicles a safe place to temporarily park and rest while they find permanent housing. While there have been victories and success stories among the program’s participants, ultimately the safety concerns and sustainability of the program outweighed the benefits of having the site remain open.
Those living at the Oklahoma Parking Site were notified of the official closure date on the morning of February 1, 2024, though the drawdown of the site has been public knowledge since February of 2023.
Currently, there are 21 people still living at the site, and each person has been strongly encouraged to work with their case manager to develop a plan that is individually suited to their housing needs and goals.
In anticipation of the site’s closure, the County established a Relocation Assistance Program in October 2023 to help program participants transition to their next living situation. The majority of those living at the site participated in the program and were eligible to receive assistance such as vehicle repairs, family reunification support, and relocation financial aid.
While the Oklahoma Parking Site is closing, the County and its City partners are actively collaborating to establish programs that will help transition those living unsheltered or in their vehicles to a stable and safe housing situation.
The Oklahoma Parking Site was originally opened in October 2021 by the Administration Office under the name “Kansas Avenue Safe Parking.” The site is managed by the County of San Luis Obispo with on-site outreach services and case management provided by CAPSLO starting in January 2022. Since its establishment, 115 people have lived at the site, with 67 people having successfully moved on to other housing solutions.
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