From Insights to Action: Tackling Homelessness in Redwood City
Welcome to our Homelessness Blog series! This series highlights Redwood City’s work to address homelessness, featuring programs, partnerships, and community outreach efforts. If you missed December’s edition, you can catch up here. In this installment, we spotlight data from the 2024 Biennial One Day Homeless Count and Survey and share a community member’s personal journey navigating the County’s Homelessness Response System and achieving stable housing.
In January 2024, San Mateo County conducted the Biennial One Day Homeless Count and Survey (also known as the Point-in-Time count), providing deeper insights into homelessness County-wide and in Redwood City. The data has helped us identify key trends, better understand the unique challenges faced by unhoused residents, and develop targeted strategies to address them. As we work to transition individuals into shelter and permanent housing, we are committed to sharing our progress and lessons learned with the community. For access to the full data report, please visit the San Mateo County website.
Key Data & Insights
Between 2022 and 2024, Redwood City saw a 23% decrease in the unsheltered population, even as the countywide homeless population increased by 18%, according to One Day Count data. This decline is largely due to three key factors:
· Sixty percent (60%) of participants in Redwood City’s RV Safe Parking Program transitioned into permanent housing under the program from 2020 through 2022.
· The launch of the Coordinated, Inter-Agency Redwood City Outreach Strategy (OS) Team in November 2022.
· The opening of San Mateo County’s Navigation Center in the fall of 2023.
Redwood City’s proactive approach to homelessness is making measurable impact, proving that targeted solutions can drive real change even in challenging conditions.
The data shows that in Redwood City, the majority of the unsheltered population (62%) lives on the streets or in encampments, while county-wide, the majority reside in vehicles (71%). Individuals in encampments often face needs that differ significantly from those living in vehicles; they are less likely to have stable jobs and more likely to report having health issues. For instance, 79% of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness reported having a disability, highlighting the need for accessible and health-focused interventions.
To address this, our non-profit outreach partners connect individuals to programs like the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County, the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), Street Medicine, Healthcare in Action, Healthcare for the Homeless, and Bridges to Wellness. This collaborative, boots-on-the-ground approach not only connects individuals to vital services but has also become a model for other cities in San Mateo County, demonstrating the power of coordinated outreach in addressing homelessness.
The data also shows that 69% of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Redwood City identify as Latin(a)(e)(o), compared to 61% County-wide. This increase, largely driven by pandemic-related lay-offs, underscores the need for culturally responsive engagement. Many individuals face barriers to accessing services, including fears about interacting with government institutions and concerns for their safety. To address these challenges, we are prioritizing language access by recruiting Spanish-speaking case managers and focusing on trust-building through active listening and collaboration to develop shared solutions.
County-wide data shows that unsheltered homelessness rose by 5%, while the number of individuals in shelters and transitional housing rose by 38% between 2022 and 2024. This increase in sheltered homelessness reflects a positive shift, as shelter placements have grown alongside expanded shelter capacity including the opening of the Navigation Center in Redwood City. However, the transition to accepting shelter is not always straightforward. Many individuals may decline shelter due to its distance from their work, healthcare or social connections, or the lack of long-term housing options. For those experiencing extended periods of homelessness, adjusting to the routines and environment of shelter living can also be a significant challenge.
Beyond Housing: Building Stability and Independence
To support clients as they transition into permanent housing, our non-profit outreach partners provide ongoing case management to help clients navigate these changes and build a strong foundation. This includes reuniting clients with family and friends, with case managers often mediating to rebuild relationships. Our team also offer consistent social support, ensuring clients stay on track with responsibilities like managing bills and maintaining positive relationships with their neighbors. These efforts go beyond securing housing — they help individuals reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives.
Mike’s story illustrates how these services make a difference in real lives.
Mike’s Journey to Housing
Mike had experienced homelessness for over 16 years. He had been living inside his vehicle in Redwood City and San Mateo. Mike shared that he had been employed for ten years with the County of San Mateo, but he was laid off due to budget cuts. A couple of years ago, Laurie, his current case manager, met Mike while he was living at the Peninsula Boardwalk shopping center in Redwood City.
When she first met him, Mike seemed wary — past experiences with case managers had left him jaded. He had been hopeful for housing a long time ago, but it did not work out. Broken promises can be a major setback for clients, eroding trust and making it harder for people to believe in the system meant to support them. Consistency and follow-through are critical in rebuilding that trust and helping clients move forward.
With Laurie’s support, Mike moved into the Navigation Center in Redwood City, where he stayed for ten months. In June 2024, Mike was matched to housing through HIP Housing, and received assistance from the City’s housing subsidy program. Since then, Mike has had a new outlook on life — — changing his lifestyle, getting clean, and prioritizing his health. He now receives regular medical care and is working towards getting a knee replacement, taking meaningful steps toward long-term stability.
Mike’s advice for others experiencing homelessness is “Step up, ask for help, go for it, and have a little faith in yourself!”
Be Part of the Solution!
Reducing homelessness in Redwood City means ensuring everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.
If you have extra space–such as a room, an accessory dwelling unit, or an available apartment–consider opening your doors to someone ready to rebuild their life. Our team provides case management and support to ensure a smooth and positive experience for both you and your tenant
Together, we can create lasting change.
For information regarding this program, please contact the Teri Chin, Human Services Manager, at Tchin@redwoodcity.org.
