The Seattle City Council's proposed 2012 budget contains some good news for those living in their cars.
The budget package includes $20,000 to fund case management services for a Safe Parking Pilot program at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Ballard.
The money will pay for an outreach worker to help car campers get connected to resources, including permanent housing.
The church has agreed to provide parking spaces and washroom facilities, but funding for outreach was the missing piece.
City Councilmember Mike O'Brien sought the money for outreach for the pilot program from the city's human services budget. He said the pilot, modeled after a program in Eugene, Ore., is a stopgap.
The city of Seattle is committed to transitioning people out of homelessness, but there's not enough housing to meet the current need, O'Brien said.
Not everyone embraced the idea. At a recent budget hearing, City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen said car camping is dangerous and complicated, and the city should focus on other methods to help the homeless.
"I have tried camping in a car and it is not comfortable," Rasmussen said. "Most cars are not suited for sleeping or living, unless you're in a really large car."
Advocates for the homeless have sought support for car campers for years. Ballard Homes For All started in 2007 after state Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (D-Seattle) called community members together to address Ballard's growing homeless population. Dickerson secured $10,000 for a car camping pilot program but that money must be used by Spring 2012.
In the meantime, the number of people living in their cars has increased.
An informal count in October 2010 found 141 lived-in vehicles in the Ballard area, up from 112 in June 2010.
Other budget items to help the homeless include $150,000 to Expand the Rapid Re-Housing Program that provides financial assistance to place families into rental housing, $150,000 to provide shelter or transitional housing services for homeless families, a $75,000 fund to improve facilities at religious organizations that provide shelter and services for the homeless, and $40,000 to expand a program that provides case management and emergency hotel/motel vouchers for families.
Seattle City Council's final budget vote is scheduled for Nov. 21.