While many local advocates have long sought to establish a safe lot parking program for unhoused neighbors living in their vehicles, but have been prevented from being allowed to do so, a new flyer making the rounds on social media, linking itself to Karma Box Project founder Grant Denton, does not appear to be something that would be allowed locally.
The flyer being circulated on social media indicates “no one should have to live in their vehicle, but for those who must, “The Slot” - Safe Lot Parking Program offers a critical bridge for those experiencing homelessness, providing a safe environment than living on the streets or in unsafe areas.”
The location is written out as To Be Determined but with already fixed hours from seven to seven.
When asked about this the City of Reno responded: "Regarding the social media post in question, we are unable to identify if the program being referenced is occurring within the City of Reno, so you may want to also reach out to the City of Sparks and Washoe County with the same question.
Under Reno Municipal Code (RMC) 8.12.011, it is unlawful to camp in a vehicle overnight in public spaces within the City of Reno. This includes streets, parks, and other public rights-of-way.
Additionally, camping overnight in vehicles on private property, such as a business or private parking lot, is also prohibited unless explicitly allowed through a valid Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or approved zoning designation. For example, recreational vehicles/mobile home parks and certain Homeless Service Providers, such as the CARES Campus, may allow overnight vehicle camping if permitted by City regulations."
We asked the County which runs the Cares Campus about this and received this response from Communications Manager Bethany Drysdale with a link to an ordinance that was passed last year prohibiting camping in public areas: “Overnight camping is not permitted on county property other than designated campsites.”
We wrote the email listed on the flyer and got a lengthy response from Tana Springmeyer-Weber who wrote out founder in her signature line. She forwarded a message she is sending out to prominent members of the community to get needed support.
“As a fourth-generation Native Nevadan, a devoted mother of two U.S. Marine Corps veterans, a divorced widow, and the sister of an older brother currently facing vehicular homelessness, I am deeply invested in the well-being of our community,” the message indicates.
Within the email, Springmeyer-Weber says her aim is to launch this program in the Sparks area to offer “a safe, secure, and legal place for veterans, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and like my brother, who are living in their vehicles to park their vehicles overnight. This program is designed to serve as a vital transitional space, assisting those in need as they seek more permanent housing solutions.”
“I am looking for potential locations that could effectively accommodate this program, but I require additional support and endorsement to move forward effectively,” she wrote, before giving names of people and organizations she says are helping with the project.
“Currently, I have received the endorsement of Grant Denton, the founder of The Karma Box Project, who has agreed to partner with me in this program. Other endorsers include Councilman Donald Abbott, Community 4 Veterans, and Blue Star Mothers of Spanish Springs, NV5,” her email indicated.
We reached out to Sparks councilman Abbott who wrote back: “While I have connected individuals interested in this idea with others who may be able to help move it forward, I am not aware of any formal progress. This is the first I’ve heard of The SLOT project moving ahead, so I would need to learn more about the specifics before being listed as an official endorsee.”
Concerning the need for such a program he wrote “I believe it is important to address the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, especially those living in vehicles. Solutions like safe lots can provide stability and access to services while ensuring public health and safety,” before indicating “there is no formal policy that I’m aware of or permitting process in place for designated safe parking lots. Any initiative of this kind would need to be reviewed and approved by the city to ensure compliance with local laws.”
The Sparks councilman said if an exact location was proposed, he would be willing to reach out to staff to check on the zoning for a suggested parcel and give “an update on the policy side of it.”