ASI Board of Directors Pass Resolution to Recommend the Implementation of a Cal Poly Safe Parking Pilot Program

At the ASI Board of Directors meeting on May 5, 2021, the Board of Directors passed the resolution to establish the Pilot Cal Poly Safe Parking Program to support students who are facing housing insecurity or experiencing homelessness. This resolution came as a result of the CSU Basic Needs Initiative Report in 2018 that found 12% of the Cal Poly student body has experienced housing insecurity. In addition, vehicular living is largely prohibited throughout San Luis Obispo, leaving students experiencing homelessness with few solutions.

This resolution urges Cal Poly to establish a Safe Parking Program in the fall and winter quarters of the 2021–22 academic year by converting one of the campus parking lots into a safe, overnight space; the space would include appropriate safety provisions and access to hygiene facilities. With this resolution, the board hopes that the proper resources and support are extended to students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Upon approval, the resolution was also sent to campus administrators, including University President, Jeffrey D. Armstrong, Vice President of Student Affairs, Keith Humphrey, Chief of Police, George Hughes, and Parking Services Director, Marlene Cramer.

Member of the Board, Suha Hussain, worked towards the approval of the resolution, stating that “the safe parking program is intended as a temporary solution for students facing housing insecurity. Unfortunately, about 12% of Cal Poly students face housing insecurity during their college career, and this program is aimed to offer a lower-cost solution to help students facing housing insecurity because they are usually encouraged to take out loans.”

The ASI Board of Directors recognizes that a safe parking program is only a short-term solution for students experiencing housing insecurity, but they believe this is a step towards providing safety, hygiene, and other basic needs for students in need.