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

""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.""

""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.""

Unhoused deaths in Santa Clara County declined for the second consecutive year, representing a 23% drop from 2024. Leaders credit expanded safe, dignified shelter and efforts to encourage use of supportive services. More than 150 hand-painted tombstones will be displayed as a memorial honoring unhoused residents who have died. Advocates and volunteers prepare essential winter items such as hats, gloves, and clothing for people living outdoors. Despite progress, recent clusters of deaths — four in four days — and the return of cold, wet weather raise concern. Officials state the goal remains zero deaths and continued expansion of shelter options.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco