Saratoga to Support West Valley Homelessness Task Force

Five cities and county representatives will work together to address rising homelessness in the region.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:38pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting an anonymous person sitting alone on a park bench surrounded by blurred trees and buildings, conveying a sense of solitude and isolation.The West Valley's collaborative approach to homelessness aims to provide compassionate support and resources to those in need.Saratoga Today

The city of Saratoga has affirmed its support to participate in a West Valley Homeless Services Implementation Task Force, which will involve representatives from Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga, along with county officials and service providers. The task force aims to develop a formal implementation plan, establish measurable goals, define governance structure and financing strategy, and monitor progress in addressing homelessness across the West Valley.

Why it matters

Homelessness has been on the rise in the West Valley, with a 13% increase in the point-in-time count from 2023 to 2024. The task force will bring together key stakeholders to coordinate a regional approach to this growing issue, which disproportionately impacts youth, families, domestic violence survivors, and marginalized communities in the area.

The details

According to a presentation by associate planner Kyle Rathbone, the 2024 point-in-time count found at least 255 people experiencing homelessness across the five West Valley municipalities, up from 221 the previous year. The needs analysis also revealed that unhoused individuals in the West Valley are more likely to be youth or families with children, sleep in their car or couch surf, and have higher rates of domestic violence. The task force will focus on sustaining and expanding effective programs, engaging with people who have experienced homelessness, identifying funding, and supporting neighborhood safety and cleanliness.

  • In 2023, there were at least 221 people experiencing homelessness across the five West Valley municipalities.
  • In 2024, the point-in-time count increased to at least 255, a 13% jump.
  • The Saratoga City Council received the report and affirmed support for the task force at its regular meeting on April 1, 2026.

The players

West Valley Homeless Services Implementation Task Force

A regional task force involving representatives from Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga, along with county officials and service providers, to address homelessness in the West Valley.

Kyle Rathbone

Associate planner who presented the needs analysis to the Saratoga City Council.

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What they’re saying

“In 2023 there were at least 221 people experiencing homelessness across the five West Valley municipalities. Last year, the point-in-time count increased to at least 255, a 13% jump; in Santa Clara County, homelessness increased by 8% overall.”

— Kyle Rathbone, Associate Planner

What’s next

The task force will now work to develop a formal implementation plan, establish measurable goals, define governance structure and financing strategy, and monitor progress in addressing homelessness across the West Valley.

The takeaway

By collaborating across municipal boundaries, the West Valley cities are taking a proactive and coordinated approach to addressing the growing issue of homelessness in their communities. This regional effort aims to leverage resources, share best practices, and implement targeted solutions to support unhoused residents, particularly vulnerable populations like youth, families, and domestic violence survivors.