In 2011, Seattle passed a law authorizing the city to impound cars with four unpaid parking tickets. For those living in their cars, the new ordinance posed an immediate danger, and inspired Karina O’Malley ’91 and members of the Lake Washington United Methodist Church to create Safe Parking. The program invites women and families living in their cars to park in the church parking lot overnight. O’Malley serves as coordinator of Safe Parking and reflects on how the program as grown over the last decade. “We understand homeless women and their needs much better now,” she says. “Today we have a pantry full of food for people and for pets. A closet full of blankets and toothbrushes and flashlights. People can stay all day, go inside to use the bathroom and charge their phones. We have volunteers who bring meals, who help our clients with resumes. Some even invite our clients to move into their houses.” Are you a graduate of MIT engaged in volunteer service activities like Karina O’Malley? If so—in preparation for a new initiative launching this fall that will highlight and connect alums engaged in service—the MIT Alumni Association wants to hear from you. Tell us how you volunteer in your local community or beyond by emailing [email protected]. . . . @MITSHASS #homeless #Homelessness #SafeParking #MITService