The price of housing and the failing economy are forcing a growing number of Santa Barbara, Calif., residents to live in their cars. Santa Barbara is one of the wealthiest U.S. cities, with average home prices near $1 million.
New Beginnings, an organization that serves the homeless, has opened 15 “car parks” that operate from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., attracting increasing numbers of people forced to sleep in their cars.
One-third of the car park users hold part-time jobs, yet are still unable to make ends meet. (Telegraph, May 22)
Nancy Kapp, a coordinator for the group, noted that the economic recession was leading to an increased demand for the program. “The way the economy is going,” she observed, “it’s just amazing the people that are becoming homeless. It’s hit the middle class.” (CNN.com, May 20)
