San Jose Displaces RV Residents, Faces Rising Homelessness Numbers
SAN JOSE, CA – A recent city-ordered sweep has displaced dozens of San Jose residents living in recreational vehicles, relocating them to motels and temporary storage as officials grapple with a surge in homelessness across Santa Clara County. The action, while intended as a short-term solution, has sparked criticism from advocates who argue the city should prioritize building affordable housing to address the root causes of the crisis.
The displacement comes as Santa Clara County faces record levels of homelessness, with 10,711 people experiencing homelessness this year – a significant increase from previous counts. A newly released report from the January 2025 Point in Time count reveals a dramatic rise in first-time homelessness, with 58% of those surveyed reporting they had recently become unhoused, nearly double the 34% reported in 2023. The primary driver cited by those experiencing homelessness is job or income loss, highlighting the growing economic pressures facing residents.
City officials have opted to convert motels into temporary housing for some of those displaced, while others have been forced to store their RVs elsewhere. Though, community advocate Maria Flores contends this approach is a band-aid solution. “The city needs to build more affordable housing instead of spending it on converting motels,” Flores stated. “Many people are struggling to pay rent even with a job, including the RV residents.”
The point in Time count data underscores the severity of the situation. The county surveyed 1,534 homeless individuals, revealing the escalating challenges of maintaining housing in a region with a high cost of living. As more people fall into homelessness, advocates emphasize the need for long-term, sustainable solutions focused on affordability and economic stability.
The full 2025 Point in Time count report is available here.
