West Valley homeless study to guide future solutions

The West Valley is trying to get a handle on its homeless population — and new data illuminates many are families and children.

An independent analysis conducted by Good City Company and Campbell shows at least 524 people across 322 West Valley households experienced homelessness in 2024. The analysis also reveals about 38% of the area’s homeless residents are unaccompanied youth or families with children compared to an 11.5% combined average in other Santa Clara County cities. The information will help Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga and Monte Sereno move toward efforts to provide local services to homeless residents in an area with scarce resources and no shelter.

The report counted homeless residents in the five municipalities, which have a combined population of about 172,400. Campbell had the highest number of unhoused residents, followed by Cupertino and Los Gatos. The data also shows roughly 40% of the population sought homeless services for the first time last year, while 51% have been homeless for two or more years. About 28% of the community lives in their vehicles.

Campbell City Manager Brian Loventhal said it’s vital to understand the region’s homeless residents before deciding what resources will help them. The data varies from Santa Clara County’s 2023 point-in-time count. Individual city data for the 2025 point-in-time count is still unavailable.

“In my mind, why it’s significant is because it allows you to start connecting the dots to where you can make the difference,” Loventhal told San José Spotlight.

The data is the first part in understanding homelessness in the West Valley. The next step is a homeless shelter feasibility study to look at the best solutions to help homeless residents, who have few resources in an area without a shelter. The study will be reviewed this fall and examine several options, ranging from a seasonal shelter opened for overnight stays certain times of the year to transitional housing where stays can last up to two years, among other options. Campbell is funding the study and analysis with $100,000 of federal pandemic-era dollars.

Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez is proud his city is spearheading the project. He said the multijurisdictional approach is key.

“This is an issue that crosses borders,” he told San José Spotlight. “Solutions need to have that broader lens, and that’s what we’re hoping.”

The West Valley has some support in place, including Campbell’s unhoused specialist position and homelessness and hunger nonprofit West Valley Community Services. Campbell’s hotel program can provide about 900 overnight stays through the end of 2026, while Los Gatos’ program can serve 14 households during inclement weather. Homeless residents living in their cars can sleep at rotating safe parking sites in church lots throughout the area, which can accommodate 40 participants annually.
Ray Bramson, chief operating officer at homelessness nonprofit Destination: Home and San José Spotlight columnist, said there’s always a need for more. He commended the West Valley’s approach to one of the country’s biggest issues. He said the analysis’ intentionality is critical because it helps officials understand the nuances needed to help some of the most vulnerable people, adding sometimes a shelter isn’t the right solution for families who have fallen on hard times.

“This is a community problem, so it requires a community solution,” Bramson told San José Spotlight. “We need investments from every city and every town in our county.”

Contact Annalise Freimarck at [email protected] or follow @annalise_ellen on X.