St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Denver wants to use its parking lot for overnight parking for the homeless sleeping in cars.
The site would use the north half of the church’s parking lot at 2071 Glenarm Place, also called the Caledonian lot, according to the church’s website. The maximum would be eight vehicles, with no more than two adults per vehicle. Each occupant would have to be at least 18 years old.
No trailers, recreational vehicles or campers would be allowed, and the site would be fenced and locked. There would also be a portable bathroom, a hand-sanitizing station and trash bins.
The Uptown on the Hill neighborhood organization endorsed the plans for the safe parking site in August, and a good neighbor agreement will need to be completed before a site could open, according to the church’s website. The congregation is working with the nonprofit Colorado Safe Parking Initiative on the site.
A previous proposal to place tiny homes on the site was rejected by the Landmark Preservation Commission.
The church’s social justice statement focuses on three areas: racial justice, LBGTQ+ rights, and housing rights.