Homelessness Crisis in Silicon Valley: San Jose and Santa Clara County, despite investing millions in addressing homelessness, faced a tragic reality in 2023, with 201 unhoused individuals losing their lives on the streets. This somber toll reflects the failure to tackle the deepening affordability and homelessness crisis.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan acknowledged the need for introspection and improvement in public policies. A memorial, attended by officials, advocates, and unhoused residents, served as a stark reminder of the system’s shortcomings.
HomeFirst CEO Andrea Urton emphasized the urgency of simultaneous efforts, addressing the complex issues contributing to the county’s homelessness crisis. With nearly 10,000 unhoused individuals, the county faces an uphill battle, requiring sustained efforts in affordable housing, dignified temporary spaces, and outreach to save lives.
The memorial, an annual event by HomeFirst, underscored the human cost and emphasized the collective commitment to ending homelessness in the community. Despite a recent drop in recorded deaths, the long-term trend shows a concerning increase, highlighting the need for scalable solutions.
San Jose Spotlight captured the voices of those directly impacted, amplifying the plea for comprehensive and effective measures to alleviate the suffering of the unhoused population in this affluent region.
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