Santa Clara County sees decline in unhoused deaths for second year in a row

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) — In Santa Clara County, for the second year in a row, deaths of unhoused residents have declined.

Leaders applaud work done to get people indoors, but know the threat is still out there, especially with bad weather approaching.

As the year nears its end, advocates for the unhoused are remembering the lives we have lost.

They are preparing tombstones which represent an unhoused person who has died in Santa Clara County.

Rose Gregorio says it’s a hand-painted representation of a life gone too soon, after suffering on the streets.

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“Their names need to be heard and need to be honored,” Gregorio said. “I see how hard it is to be outside being with them for over 20 years. It’s really hard. It’s very hard for me to see this many tombstone.”

More than 150 tombstones are being created for a memorial next week.

It’s a lower number of deaths than we saw in 2024 according to San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who says the 23% decline shows the steps the city is taking are working.

“Our goal has been to ramp-up safe, dignified shelter and, when it’s available, create some accountability for coming indoors and taking advantage of supportive services,” Mahan said. “We’ve made progress this year, but we still have a long way to go. I’m not going to be satisfied until that number is zero.”

It’s a step in the right direction, but four deaths in four days this month has unhoused advocates concerned – especially with cold and wet weather returning to the region in the coming days.

MORE: Formerly unhoused San Jose Columbus Park residents adjusting to restrictions in new home

Shaunn Cartwright with the Unhoused Response Group says it has been a mild weather year and she believes that played a role in a lower number of unhoused deaths.

She’s preparing essential items needed for upcoming weather with hats, gloves, clothes even personal supplies.

Even the little things can make a big difference.

“You feel like it’s up to the groups right now because the county hasn’t declared inclement weather,” Cartwright said. “So they’re not helping out by passing out handwarmers, tents and tarps. Because there’s been so many sweeps, they’ve lost so many supplies and they’re not ready for a big cold snap. This could be a very deadly time for folks.”

Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, so no more tombstones will need to be added this year.