Santa Clara Countys homeless math problem 1 shelter bed for every 3 unhoused people

Santa Clara County grapples with a growing homelessness issue, reporting 10,711 individuals without shelter against just 3,454 available beds. The majority of these beds are located in San Jose, where the largest shelter can accommodate 291 people. Since 2023, the number of sheltered homeless individuals has increased by 30%, attributed to new bed availability. Deputy County Executive Consuelo Hernandez emphasizes a three-pronged strategy focusing on prevention, temporary accommodation, and permanent housing solutions. The county is actively working to open new shelters, including a 135-bed facility in Palo Alto and a 30-family shelter in Santa Clara.

San Jose's City Council has also approved a new outreach team aimed at assisting the unhoused, despite concerns over potential distrust among the homeless community. Additionally, the city aims to add 1,305 shelter beds this year across various sites. Efforts include reallocating Measure E funds to support temporary shelters and safe sleeping sites.