Date of Award

2018

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

This study researches the effectiveness of the One Starfish Safe Parking Program in Pacific Grove, California, a non-profit organization serving adult women who live in vehicles. Included in this study are demographics and housing and employment outcomes for women who have participated in the program. Effectiveness was evaluated on four factors:1) housing and employment changes for the participants, 2) perceptions of program value by the participants, 3) acceptance and support of the program from the Pacific Grove police and City of Pacific Grove government, and 4) perceptions of the program by the One Starfish staff and the organization providing the parking lot, First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove. This research presents a qualitative case study of a safe parking program as a response to the increasing number of unsheltered homeless people living in vehicles. This study will potentially help inform decisions by other communities and organizations that are considering safe parking programs and adds to the literature about vehicle dwelling. A scholarly literature review informs the study about violence and safety concerns of homeless women, characteristics of homeless women, employment and homelessness, police interaction with homeless people, and vehicle dwelling.

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