Despite Latinos making up a large portion of the Santa Clara County’s homeless population, the group tends to be invisible.
The Latino homeless population has exploded over the years. In 2007, Latinos made up 28% of Santa Clara County’s homeless residents, peaking at 47% in 2022 — they’re now 40% of the homeless population, according to a 2023 point in time count.
The group faces unique challenges that lead them into homelessness, including underemployment, according to a 2023 study of homelessness in California by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. Dr. Margot Kushel with the initiative said homeless Latinos are often undercounted due to factors such as language and technology barriers, as well as a hesitancy to engage in services…