A long-discussed program to provide safe parking for people living in their vehicles should become reality next month in Long Beach.

Teresa Chandler, deputy city manager in charge of services for the homeless, said Wednesday, Jan. 29, that a parking lot in West Long Beach is being repaved, fenced and lighting is being added in preparation for the pilot program.

The site is an overflow parking lot for the Good News Church of God, 1833 Harbor Ave., that will offer 15 spaces, which can accommodate RVs.

Money from the Mayor’s Fund for the Homeless is being used to prepare the lot, while the state Homeless Emergency Aid Program will fund the program’s operation. The lot will include portable toilets, handwashing stations and security. Chandler said there will be someone on site to help people access social services.

The lot will be regulated, Chandler added, and only people referred by the Long Beach Multi-Service Center will be allowed to park there. Families will get first preference. Once someone secures a space, he or she can stay there for up to 90 days, she said.

People will be able to shower at the Multi-Service Center, about six blocks away at 1301 12th St.

Talk about creating a parking area for people living in cars and campers began in earnest in 2016. The idea resurfaced last year, with Second District Councilwoman Jeannine Pearce taking a lead role.

In October, Health and Human Services Director Kelly Colopy said a contract was being negotiated to start the safe parking program. Talks stalled, but the city went ahead with another program offering one-time waivers of parking ticket and towing fees for people who are homeless.

Chandler said a shipping container will be modified and stocked as an office and supply center for the safe parking lot. The lot is under construction, and a specific date hasn’t yet been announced.