In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state and local governments can make and enforce rules that stop homeless encampments on public property. Soon after, California Governor Gavin Newsom ordered state and local agencies to act quickly to address homeless encampments while still treating people with dignity and care. The court case Johnson v. City of Grants Pass explains more about this ruling.

Homelessness in Santa Clara

Homelessness is a serious and complex issue in many cities, including Santa Clara. As housing costs increase, more people in our community experience homelessness. Cities cannot solve this problem alone, but they can help. The City of Santa Clara is committed to doing its part.

Housing insecurity includes many situations, such as:

• Living on the streets or in parks
• Staying in shelters or emergency housing
• Living in hotels
• Couch surfing
• Living in vehicles
• Staying in homeless encampments

The City is working to build more affordable housing, which takes time. It is also investing in programs to prevent homelessness and respond to crises. These efforts help keep the community safe and clean while making sure people have access to basic needs.

The Police Department works with other City departments and community groups to help connect people with resources and services.

For more help and information, visit the City’s Housing & Community Services Division’s Homeless Assistance webpage.

Homelessness on Public vs. Private Property

On private property: The property owner must ask for police help and take action before a person can be cited or arrested for trespassing.

On public property: A city official may ask a person to leave. If the person refuses, they may be breaking Santa Clara’s rules against camping without permission.

No matter where it happens, criminal activity (such as loud noise, fighting, or drug activity) and emergencies (like fires or immediate danger) should always be reported by calling 9-1-1.

Living in Vehicles

Vehicle encampments, such as groups of RVs, can cause safety problems, parking issues, noise, trash, and sanitation concerns. People living in these vehicles may be breaking Santa Clara City Code rules. Parking rules also limit how long a vehicle can stay in one spot. Vehicles cannot be parked in the same location for more than 72 hours.

If someone breaks this rule, they may receive a parking ticket. However, the time resets once the vehicle is moved to a new location, which makes enforcement difficult.

To report a 72-hour violation, vehicle encampment or illegal dumping submit a service request in the MySantaClara app.