Homelessness has increased in one of the most expensive regions in the nation, a tell-tale sign of what could come.
Santa Clara County has 10,711 homeless residents, up 8.2% from two years ago, according to preliminary results from this year’s point in time count conducted in January 2025. This has happened despite significant investments in temporary and permanent housing, where more than 1,300 affordable apartments have been constructed over the past two years, funded through Measure A, a $950 million affordable housing bond approved by voters in 2016. As the cost of living continues to increase and federal cuts undermine social safety nets, more people will be pushed off the edge.
The county has not yet released data breaking down the increase by municipality, but homelessness is expected to have increased in San Jose — one of the most expensive cities to rent or buy a home. In 2022, the city had the fourth highest homeless population per capita in the nation…