More Than Half of Santa Clara County’s Unhoused Population is Homeless for the First Time

SANTA CLARA, CA —Santa Clara County’s latest Point-in-Time count shows homelessness continues to rise, with a record 10,711 people unhoused—an 8.2% increase since 2023—and 58% experiencing homelessness for the first time. Most cited job loss, family breakup, health issues, or rent increases as the cause. While 83% previously lived in the county, nearly half now live in vehicles, especially RVs, as cities tighten parking and encampment rules. Despite the county investing $446 million last year in prevention and housing programs that have helped thousands, more residents are still entering homelessness than escaping it, underscoring the region’s severe housing affordability crisis.