S.F. closed its last safe sleeping site, and RV dwellers have nowhere to go

San Francisco has closed its last designated safe parking site for RV residents, leaving them without secure options for parking their homes. The Bayview Triage Center, which offered free protected parking and additional services, shut down last month due to costly infrastructure issues and a failed lease renewal. The city's homelessness department has introduced a new strategy to address vehicle-based homelessness but does not plan to reopen safe sleeping sites. This decision comes as the number of people living in vehicles increased from 1,049 in 2022 to 1,442 in 2024, a 37 percent rise. District Supervisor Shamann Walton has criticized the lack of parking spaces, stating it poses greater risks for RV residents.

Many prefer living in RVs due to the privacy and amenities they provide, especially compared to crowded shelters. The closure of safe parking options may push more individuals into precarious situations on the streets. Without a comprehensive plan for RV residents, the city risks worsening the homelessness crisis.