Santa Clara County Sees Sharp Increase in First-Time Homelessness

Key Takeaways

Santa Clara County experienced an 8.2% increase in homelessness, with 10,711 unsheltered residents as of January 2024.
58% of those surveyed in the county reported this was their first experience with homelessness, a significant rise from 34% in 2023.
New data collection methods highlighted an increase in newly homeless individuals and a 30% rise in those sheltered due to expanded services and beds.

Recent Trends in Homelessness in Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County, California, has reported an 8.2% increase in homelessness, with the number of unsheltered individuals rising to 10,711. This data comes from the county’s latest point-in-time count, which is conducted biannually. The survey revealed that 58% of respondents were experiencing homelessness for the first time, a marked increase from 34% in the previous count.

The rise in homelessness has been attributed to several complex factors, including a continuing lack of affordable housing, wage disparities, and systemic inequities. Although the count showed a 30% increase in sheltered individuals, the unsheltered population has experienced only a slight uptick of 1% from the previous year, largely due to expanded supports, which included the addition of 364 new beds since 2023.

The 2024 assessment used a new “survey-first approach,” emphasizing direct engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness. KJ Kaminski, the director of the County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing, remarked on the importance of this approach, which involved over 700 volunteers and insights from 1,500 interviews. Such methods offer a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by this population. Kaminski noted, “There’s no perfect way to count everybody who is experiencing homelessness. That said, we can use the information that we learned from this count to inform our programs and our policies.”

The county has seen a decrease of 21% in homeless veterans, while the number of families experiencing homelessness has surged by 37%. These trends underline the disparity in experiences of homelessness across different demographic groups within the county.

Meanwhile, the broader U.S. landscape reflects an 18% increase in homelessness nationwide in 2024, affecting nearly all demographic sectors. This spike is exacerbated by impending federal budget cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and food assistance, which could further strain local resources and support systems.

Governor Gavin Newsom has pointed to declines in homelessness elsewhere in California, particularly in Los Angeles County, while advocating for the removal of specific encampments. However, experts and local officials in Santa Clara County assert that the situation is worsening, with more individuals entering homelessness than finding stable housing solutions.

The data highlights a critical need for continued investment in housing assistance and supportive services to address the growing crisis and sustain efforts to transition individuals into long-term housing solutions effectively. As Santa Clara County grapples with these challenges, the insights gathered from the latest count will play a vital role in shaping future policies and responses to homelessness in the region.

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