San Jose's homeless population stood at 6,503 in 2025, similar to the 2023 count of 6,266, despite efforts to reduce homelessness through increased shelter capacity and significant funding. A recent census documented a slight decrease in the unsheltered population by 10%, while the number of individuals in shelters rose by 37%. In contrast, Santa Clara County faced an 8% increase in homelessness. Mayor Matt Mahan's approach involves both clearing encampments and investing heavily in emergency housing, with over $220 million allocated to initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness.
Two years into an aggressive push to address homelessness, San Jose has managed to bring more people indoors but the total number of unhoused residents remains stubbornly unchanged.
San Jose fared slightly better than Santa Clara County overall, where homelessness rose 8% from the 2023 count to a record high in the latest tally.
Since taking office last year, Mayor Matt Mahan has spearheaded a dual approach: clearing encampments, particularly RV clusters, while ramping up investments in emergency shelters and temporary housing.
To make room in the budget for new emergency housing, city leaders in recent years have allocated more than $220 million toward homelessness initiatives.
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