Homeless in Your Car? We’re Here for You.
If you’re living in your car, we want you to know you’re not alone — and help is available. Whether you’re seeking support to find stable housing or need resources to make your current situation more manageable and safe, we are here to assist you with care, respect, and understanding.
Our goal is to help you take the next steps toward a place to call home or to provide tools, tips, and resources that can help you stay more comfortable and secure while living in your vehicle. No judgment — just real support when you need it most.
Exercise is Essential
One common issue we see is the tendency to remain in your car all day. While it might feel like the only safe or comfortable option, it’s important to get out, move around, and stay active. If the weather is bad, consider walking inside a mall or joining a local gym for access to indoor space. Prolonged sitting in your car can lead to serious health problems, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, mental health challenges, musculoskeletal pain, and even cognitive decline. We recommend getting up to walk and stretch at least once every hour to help protect your physical and mental well-being.
It is essential to get roadside assistants
Many people are homeless in their car in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, We highly recommend that if you are experiencing homelessness and living in your car, you invest in roadside assistance. This is an essential expense that can save you from difficult and potentially dangerous situations. We often receive distress calls from individuals who are homeless and stranded due to a flat tire with no way to replace it, a dead battery that needs a jump-start, a flat spare tire, or being locked out of their vehicle. With no one around to help and no funds to resolve the issue, these situations can become overwhelming. Roadside assistance provides peace of mind and critical support when you need it most.
Where Can I Park While Living in My Car?
We get asked this question all the time—where can I safely park while living in my car? Many people experiencing homelessness have shared their go-to spots. Here are some common places they’ve told us about: Planet Fitness Parking Lots Open 24/7, and with a membership for about $15/month, you can use their facilities for showers, bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Park and Ride Lots These commuter lots are often low-traffic at night and a popular choice for overnight parking. Dix Hills Welcome Center (Long Island, NY) Located on I-495 Eastbound between Exits 51-52. Open 24 hours, but note they have a 3-hour parking limit—be mindful to avoid tickets or issues. Additional Parking Tips: Avoid Parking Near Dumpsters or Woods in Summer In parking lots near wooded areas or restaurants, stay away from dumpsters and wooded edges, especially in summer. These areas can attract flying cockroaches and other pests. Stay Out of High-Crime Areas Always stay aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts—if it doesn’t feel safe, leave. Park in Packs for Safety When possible, connect with other people living in cars and park nearby. There’s safety in numbers.
"Stay Safe and Prepared":
Essentials you should have with you in your car Water is the best and safest drink—make it your go-to choice to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. However, many living in their cars avoid drinking water because they worry about needing a bathroom. A good tip is to park near fast food restaurants or public places with restrooms for easy access. A can of fix-a-flat. Jumper cables, and or a Jump starter box. Emergency non perishable food. Tylenol and or advil First aid kit. Space blankets Toilet paper and latex gloves, a five gallon bucket if you have room, you can even get on Amazon toilet seat for a five gallon bucket.
We Care & Want to Help
If you're struggling with homelessness in your car and you're ready for a change, call us or click here for support.
Important Tips for Living in Your Car
Keep Insurance, Registration & Inspection Up to Date Make sure your auto insurance is paid and that your registration and inspection stickers are valid. Avoid fines or getting towed. Your Car Is Your Home—Keep It Clean Whether by choice or circumstance, your car is your living space. Keeping it clean helps avoid unwanted attention and stress. Avoid Clutter Don’t use your car as storage. Only keep items you’ll need for the week to maximize space and stay organized. Find a Reliable Mechanic: Build a relationship with a trustworthy mechanic who understands your situation and can fix your car the same day if needed. Always Have Spare Keys Keep one or two spare keys. Give one to a trusted friend or family member if possible, to avoid lockouts. Invest in a Jump Box A jump box is a smart investment. It can jump-start your car and also charge your phone or other electronics, which is essential for staying connected, and also reduces strain on your battery when the car is not running. Need Supplies? If you need blankets, a bivy bag, space blanket, bible, reach out to us. Know where food pantries and soup kitchens are in your area.