As city council leaders and community members cheer new legislation that helps crews more swiftly remove abandoned cars off Oakland streets, one homeless mother's story sheds light on another facet of the issue. Jade Burnett, 53, has been living in her car on Oakland streets, outside the home she used to live in, for the last several years with her son, 17, who is autistic, and her daughter, 9.
" Burnett said she has been searching the internet for community resources, and came across the Safe Car Park Program, hosted by West Side Missionary Baptist Church.The program provides secure parking for unhoused people living in their cars, support in keeping tags and plates up to date, insurance, and a gas fund. They also provide trucks twice a month which supply showers and laundry services, job application support, and substance abuse programs.