Providing housing stability and connecting people living in their vehicles to long-term affordable housing.

Vehicle Resident Programs

Vehicle Resident Outreach

Nearly half of King County's unhoused population lives in their vehicles.

Vehicle Resident Outreach (VRO) supports people who live in their vehicles providing vehicle repairs, gas cards, basic needs supplies, housing navigation, connection to other community services, and ultimately, a pathway to stable housing.

Our team prioritizes client safety and stability first, recognizing that every person is an expert on their unique needs and sees their inherent dignity and agency when seeking solutions with them. We conduct outreach in two-person teams in North and South Seattle pairing formerly unhoused staff with staff without lived experience. This combination brings stability and knowledge through lived experience to client interactions.

Mini-documentary on homelessness in Seattle created by Invisible People.

“Joe and Jonah have been coming and visiting me pretty often. They brought me to Goodwill and bought me clothes, they've got me food before, so I really appreciate them.”

U District Safe Lot

Safe Lot: A safe and stable place for individuals to park their vehicles so they may remain compliant with local laws, have access to restroom facilities, and be able to regularly access social services.

​The U District Safe Lot is a program designed for people who are experiencing homelessness and using their vehicles as their primary residence.  In spring 2020, UHeights opened our parking lot to host the overnight U District Safe Lot, which serves up to 15 vehicles (no RVs), provides a safe place to park and case management.

This image shows Safe Lots around the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). Please notice how only six of many are displayed for the public's knowledge. Most Safe Lots are looked down upon in communities as they are most times stereotyped as hosting "dangerous people" or "drug addicts," a recurrent stigma when describing people who are experiencing homelessness.

For people living in RVs:

Need Support?

For people living in their passenger vehicles:

Safe Lot FAQs

  • Safe Lot residents have designated parking spaces at UHeights from 7 PM - 7:30 AM Monday - Friday and 4 PM Saturday - 7:30 AM Monday. Safe Lot residents are able to stay and use the parking lot all day on Sunday.

  • Up to 10 passenger vehicle (non-RVs) households who have active insurance for their vehicle and own their vehicle are eligible. There is also an effort to give priority to families, students, and elderly people living in their vehicles. RVs or other similar vehicles are not permitted at the U District Safe Lot. As an organization who serves young children, all incoming residents must take and pass a background check.

    • Designated parking spot

    • Washer and dryer (available by appointment with UHeights Facilities Team)

    • Case Management Support

    • Access to Porta Potty and Tiny House

    • Reduced Membership to U District YMCA (facilities include exercise equipment, showers, and more!)

    • Free access to all UHeights events and classes

  • Upon inception, The City of Seattle designated around $375,000 for vehicle homelessness to pay for case management, utilities, and additional basic living supplies. Now, the U District Safe Lot is maintained by UHeights.

  • The Safe Lot is managed through a partnership of three organizations. University Gathering UMC leases the parking spaces and hosts regular activities for Safe Lot residents. Urban League does intake, case management, and is primarily responsible for the Safe Lot residents. UHeights provides the free parking spaces and activities for the Safe Lot residents.

  • USA Auto Glass + Repair - 15001 Bothell Way NE #1, Seattle, WA 98155

    Phone number: 206-367-0107

 Additional Resources

  • Northwest Justice Project (NJP) provides critical civil legal assistance to thousands of low-income people in Washington. If you are in need of legal assistance apply online through NJP or call the NJP CLEAR hotline: 1-888-201-1014

    Columbia Legal Services advocates for laws that advance social, economic, and racial equity for people living in poverty in Washington State. For assistance, please click the link above to visit their website.

  • Call 2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and provides resources related to utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care. crisis intervention, and much more.

    The Emerald City Resource Guide is a regularly updated guide for over 500 services available to people in King County. This guide includes services and resources for: Basic needs, health, financial, legal, employment.