A task force formed to investigate the possibility of safe lots in Longmont is set to update City Council on their progress during a Tuesday evening study session.

Safe lots are parking lots meant for homeless people living in their vehicles that provide security and basic amenities like toilets and showers.

The Safe Lot Task Force, as it has been dubbed, was formed after a Sept. 27 study session dealing with the issue and was directed by City Council to took into the return on investment, target audience, cost and other aspects of the idea. The task force has been working over the past several months.

Meanwhile, Homeless Outreach Providing Encouragement Longmont and its Executive Director Joseph Zanovitch, who originally pitched the safe lot idea to City Council, are aiming to have their own pilot program — without any formal support from the city — up and running by May.

According to Zanovitch work is ongoing, though the nonprofit doesn’t yet have a location identified. He said churches make the most sense and, as he mentioned in September, many church parking lots already serve as a nighttime home for those living in vehicles.

“I’m still working with the faith community,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of positive interactions with churches in the area, and a lot of them are very intrigued and they’re going through their own internal process with their volunteer committees to see if it’s something they want to pursue.

“Unless something changes, the pilots will be located at a church, or two.”

Zanovitch is hoping to have two safe lots, each with a five to seven car capacity. One will be designated for women and families and the other for individuals. Though if only one lot can be identified, he said the nonprofit will see where the need is in the homeless community and choose whether to provide one for women and families or individual adults.

Zanovitch also said HOPE Longmont would likely be starting a fundraiser next month to gather funds for a porta-pottie or trailer that could house toilets and showers.

During September’s work session Zanovitch estimated there were 80 RVs and 60 passenger vehicles people were living in around Longmont.

“There’s way too much quantity and demand, so to speak, than what the initial safe lot pilot will handle… so I know that’s going to be a very difficult choice,” he said.

Part of the process, too, he said, will be reaching out to those nearby the safe lots and meeting with them.

“Depending on which church is chosen, then there will be a neighborhood meeting if it’s located near a neighborhood, to let them know the program that’s going to be in place and how they can help out and be a part of the program,” Zanovitch said. “I think it’s really important that, especially in this, that a lot of people sleeping in their vehicles already feel unwanted in neighborhoods. So the last thing I want is for them to be in a safe environment … and then neighbors start to complain all over again.

“So I think what’s best is that you have neighborhood engagement before it starts, let them know, this is what’s happening and we would love the neighborhood to be supportive of that.”

According to the task force’s progress report, all those in the pilot program will be screened before entry, and worked with using the Homeless Solutions for Boulder County navigation model, though the agency has not approved or vetted the program. This means in order to use the safe lot, people will have to have lived in Boulder County for at least six months, among other requirements.

HOPE Longmont will also run criminal background checks and assign a case manager to those using the lots. Its pilot program will also only accept passenger vehicles, not RVs. The nonprofit will not initially set a limit for how long people can use the lots.

“(HOPE Longmont) may remove any participant that violates the behavioral contact or fails to check in with case managers on a successive basis,” the progress report read. “The provider may allow participants to stay as long as needed if they qualify for Housing-focused Shelter or Permanent Supportive Housing. This includes anyone diagnosed with a physical and/or mental disability, as this would limit his or her ability to work and be self-sufficient.”

The task force also conducted research on best practices for safe lots. While noting they are a “burgeoning model of practice,” the report said there are some cities that have researched and employed them.

One feasibility study performed by Long Beach, California, cited all safe lot programs surveyed employed “extensive case management components.” The study also noted security did not present as large a problem as expected.

“Clients in lots tend to naturally take over the space and “self-police,” ensuring the safety of their community from within,” the Long Beach feasibility study read. “When issues do arise, the programs report that law enforcement is very responsive.”

In addition to access to basic amenities like toilets and showers, added safety is another benefit proponents of the safe lot solution point to.

HOPE Longmont is projected to spend $70,000 for two full-time security staff members making $15 per hour, according to the report. The progress report notes, however, that at this pay rate the staff members would not be formally trained. The Long Beach feasibility study also stated all safe lot programs they surveyed had a “well-developed relationship” with local police.

Some estimates included in the task force’s progress report put the cost of an RV safe lot between $149,000 and $280,000. With a restroom facility, the cost would be between $275,000 and $300,000.

HOPE Longmont estimated a portable restroom and shower would cost around $30,000, while background and criminal history checks would cost either $25 or $5 each for national and state checks respectively.

The task force’s report also stated it plans to continue to measure the efficacy of safe lots and their potential costs. Its data gathering efforts will also be more complete by the end of March, it said.

“HOPE’s experience with this pilot program will also inform the Task Force’s final recommendations about whether or not Safe Lots are viable investments for City resources in meeting its goal of providing stable housing solutions for adults experiencing homelessness,” the report read.

Tuesday’s study session will take place at 7 p.m. at the Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave., in rooms A and B.

If you go:

What: Longmont City Council study session on safe lots

Where: Longmont Public Library, 409 4th Ave., in rooms A and B

When: Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.

More info: tinyurl.com/t8j7kyq