Valadao’s bill would support homeless people living in their cars

Homeless people living in their cars would have a safe place to park overnight under a bipartisan bill cosponsored on Jan. 30 by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA).

The Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act, H.R. 7133, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA), would make federal funding available to local Safe Parking Programs to offer such parking places, as well as resources to assist with the transition to more stable housing, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.

“Homelessness is not just an issue affecting big cities — it’s having an impact right in our own backyard in rural communities throughout the Central Valley,” Rep. Valadao said. “There’s not one easy solution to this complex issue, but Safe Parking Programs help to keep people off the streets as they work to find more permanent housing.”

Specifically, H.R. 7133 would authorize use of amounts from emergency solutions grants under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to provide safe overnight parking facilities for homeless persons, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“There’s no reason why the federal government should not be recognizing the difference these programs make in responding to the housing crises we are facing,” said Rep. Carbajal.

H.R. 7133 has been referred to the U.S. House Financial Services Committee for consideration. 

“This bipartisan bill is an important step to combat homelessness and ensure people have the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into our communities,” added Rep. Valadao.