On March 12, 2025,  IPMI hosted a webinar titled Homelessness – Not Just a Housing Problem, presented by Douglas Hausladen, PTMP, Executive Director of the New Haven Parking Authority.

The homelessness crisis in America is real and has far-reaching economic and community impacts. Parking and mobility owners and operators are facing issues on both the operations and enforcement fronts, from people sleeping outside in and around the garages to those seeking shelter in automobiles using parking garages and lots as places to sleep for the night or longer to stay safe. 

Considering the root of the issue, parking requirements often drive residential costs. As the price of housing escalates, fewer people can afford a stable place to live. While the cost of incorporating parking requirements into residential development is not a direct cause of homelessness, parking and the unhoused have an intrinsic link that cannot be ignored. 

Here are the key takeaways from this webinar:

1. Recognizing the surge in Unhoused Population and Local Impact:

  • There has been a 246% increase in unhoused individuals in New Haven over the past year.

  • Nationally, the 2024 Point-in-Time Count showed an 18% increase in homelessness, with a third unsheltered.

  • New Haven only has 307 shelter beds, which is insufficient given the current need.

2. Housing First Approach:

  • The “Housing First” model is emphasized as the most effective strategy: provide stable housing first, followed by voluntary services (mental health, employment support, etc.).

  • Local organizations in New Haven are using this approach with some success.

3. Link Between Parking and Housing Costs:

  • Parking requirements increase construction costs and thus housing prices, indirectly contributing to housing instability and homelessness.

  • Overbuilding parking adds significant expenses to residential projects.

4. Operational Challenges in Parking Facilities Caused by Increase in Homeless Numbers:

  • Rise in security incidents, trespassing, and encampments in garages.

  • Increased calls for emergency services, drug use, and health hazards.

  • Staff now require specialized training in de-escalation and Narcan use to respond to overdose situations.

5. Legal and Policy Landscape

  • A recent Supreme Court decision and local bills are shaping the rights of unhoused individuals to sleep and eat in public spaces.

  • The Connecticut Homeless Bill of Rights guides how security teams must treat unhoused individuals with dignity and respect.

Want to learn more? This webinar is available for purchase in our IPMI On-Demand Library. Click here to buy now for your team!

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