A historically strained relationship between the City of San José and Santa Clara County appears to be easing as the county expands mental health services to temporary housing sites for the city’s unhoused residents. The move comes after months of public discussion and calls for increased county investment from San José officials, signaling a potential shift in how the two entities address the region’s persistent homelessness crisis.
Last year, San José Mayor Matt Mahan publicly stated that the county wasn’t doing enough to address homelessness, urging greater financial commitment. The county responded by launching a pilot program earlier this year, bringing community health workers and medical services to two of San José’s “tiny home” villages, located on Ferrari Drive and Bernal Road. This collaborative effort represents a tangible step toward addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those struggling with mental health challenges.
Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Support Reaches Vulnerable Populations
The program focuses on connecting residents with behavioral health services and training shelter staff to better support those in need. To date, health professionals have connected or referred 40 individuals at the two pilot sites to appropriate care. County officials plan to expand these services to additional tiny home villages later this year, aiming to reach a wider segment of the unhoused population. The initiative underscores a growing recognition that addressing mental health is crucial to long-term solutions for homelessness.
“I’m pleased the county is stepping up its efforts; Here’s the level of commitment every city and county should have when addressing homelessness,” Mayor Mahan told San José Spotlight. “What matters now is rigor: monitoring the impact of every dollar spent and being willing to act quickly when something isn’t working. Our shared responsibility is to relentlessly focus on what works and scale it.”
Significant Investment in Homelessness Solutions
Santa Clara County is investing nearly $470 million this fiscal year in solutions to address homelessness, according to County Executive James Williams. This includes funding for temporary shelters, supportive housing services, rental assistance for those facing eviction and mental health treatment subsidies. The county already contributes to the funding of 15 shelters in San José and will assume the costs of two additional city-operated shelters this year. This substantial financial commitment reflects a broader strategy to provide a comprehensive network of support for individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
Todd Langton, founder of Agape Silicon Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the homeless population, believes the county has consistently demonstrated a stronger commitment than the city. “I think they’re doing a lot more than [Mahan] gives them credit for,” Langton stated to San José Spotlight. Agape Silicon Valley provides direct services and advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.
Differing Approaches to a Shared Crisis
Historically, San José and Santa Clara County have taken different approaches to tackling homelessness. The county has traditionally prioritized investments in permanent supportive housing, even as the city has focused on expanding temporary shelter capacity. This year, San José largely redirected funds from Measure E – a housing affordability measure approved by voters – to finance temporary shelters, significantly increasing its shelter footprint to nearly 2,000 beds and spaces, almost triple the amount available in 2024, according to city data.
Over the past decade, the county has constructed more than 5,700 affordable apartments through Measure A, a $950 million housing bond approved by voters in 2016. The bond has been instrumental in creating long-term housing options for families and individuals with low incomes, including those previously experiencing homelessness. These developments provide a stable foundation for residents to rebuild their lives.
“Addressing homelessness remains a top priority for Santa Clara County, and we continue to act with urgency by investing nearly $500 million this year in prevention, shelter expansion, and permanent supportive housing,” Williams said. “More than 70% of these resources are directed to San José, where the need is greatest. Our data shows this comprehensive approach is working, with 95% of individuals in supportive housing maintaining their housing.”
The county invests $45 million annually to support 20 shelters and safe parking sites throughout the county, providing over 2,000 beds or parking spaces. These shelters include the Boccardo Reception Center and Julian Street Inn. While shelters provide a crucial entry point, Williams emphasized that long-term stability relies on permanent housing and the services that facilitate access to it.
Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Data-Driven Results
Langton argues that the collaboration to provide mental health services at San José’s tiny home villages should have happened sooner. He has witnessed firsthand the cycle of individuals entering and exiting shelters, with many struggling with addiction or mental illness ultimately returning to the streets. “It’s common sense; other cities and counties have already implemented this,” Langton said. “It’s not just about implementing these services, it’s about the outcomes they achieve.”
The expansion of mental health services to temporary housing sites represents a promising development in the ongoing effort to address homelessness in Santa Clara County. The success of this initiative will depend on continued collaboration between the city and county, rigorous data collection to measure impact, and a willingness to adapt strategies based on evidence. County officials are expected to provide an update on the program’s progress and expansion plans at a Board of Supervisors meeting in late spring.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, please reach out for help. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
