Santa Clara County homelessness hits new high despite major housing investments

Santa Clara County's homeless population has climbed to 10,711, an 8. 2% increase from two years prior, despite significant investments in affordable housing, including over 1,300 new units funded by Measure A. The county has moved more than 8,000 people into housing between 2023 and 2025, but officials warn that rising living costs and federal funding cuts threaten future progress. San Jose, one of the most expensive cities for housing, is expected to contribute to the overall rise in homelessness, which previously peaked during the pandemic at 10,028 individuals. Mayor Matt Mahan points to a 30% increase in sheltered homeless residents as evidence that investment in temporary housing can lead to positive outcomes.

County Executive James Williams emphasizes a systemic approach to tackle the root causes of homelessness, focusing on affordable housing supply. The county's new counting methodology, implemented this year, limits the ability to compare current data with past counts, making trend analysis challenging. Previously, Santa Clara County recorded its lowest homeless numbers in 2015, with 6,556 individuals. The ongoing crisis highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to address homelessness and housing insecurity in the region.