S.F. closed its parking lots and banned RVs. San Jose chose a different approach.

San Francisco's new legislation restricts RV parking to two hours, impacting many residents living in their vehicles. Mayor Daniel Lurie described the ban as a compassionate measure, allowing three months for RV dwellers to find alternatives. However, the 2024 Point in Time count revealed approximately 1,442 people living in vehicles, indicating a significant homeless population. In contrast, San Jose has opened two safe parking sites, offering essential services like case management, meals, and shower facilities. Mayor Matt Mahan noted that this approach has been surprisingly affordable, with estimates suggesting a higher number of vehicularly homeless individuals than the official count of 1,250.

The closure of San Francisco's Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, which cost nearly $18 million to operate, has left many without resources. Former residents described it as a "nightmare," contrasting sharply with the positive experiences reported by those in San Jose's supportive parking sites. This divergence in strategies highlights the varying approaches cities take in addressing homelessness.