Santa Clara County Faces Explosive 63% Homelessness Spike as Local Women Lead Vital Aid
The number of unhoused residents in Santa Clara County has surged by 63% over the last decade, creating an urgent crisis that two South Bay women are tackling head-on with a groundbreaking community response.
Wei E, a retired attorney, and fellow volunteer Claire Hubel have transformed their frontline experience into a powerful nonprofit called The United Effort Organization, which is actively helping people get off the streets right now.
Helping Hundreds Secure Housing and Services Amidst Crisis
Starting from casual conversations while cleaning showers at the nonprofit Hope’s Corner, Wei and Claire quickly realized how critical personalized support was for the unhoused. When the 2020 pandemic shut down indoor services, they took their assistance outdoors to Hope’s Corner’s parking lot, increasing their reach and impact.
Today, every Wednesday and Saturday, volunteers under their leadership provide one-on-one help securing essentials like free bus passes, phones, job applications, and most importantly, housing.
The nonprofit reports it has helped more than 220 people in the county find stable housing through direct volunteer support and a constantly updated online database tracking affordable housing options.
One standout success story belongs to Charlie, a former client who lost her job and health before entering a shelter. Now a part-time client manager for The United Effort, Charlie leads a team nicknamed “Charlie’s Angels” that continues outreach to the unhoused, demonstrating the transformative power of this work.
“I feel grateful for all the things Wei and Claire have given me it gives me more confidence,” Charlie said, highlighting the deep personal impact of their efforts.
Beyond Housing: Empowerment Through Access and Encouragement
Besides housing, the organization’s programs help clients check eligibility for vital benefits like free food, medical care, mental health services, and transportation. This holistic approach aims to place clients in the “driving seat” of their own recovery while providing consistent support and encouragement.
Claire Hubel shared, “We love our clients. They’re vulnerable yet resilient, and they inspire me to keep going.”
Meanwhile, Wei E emphasizes the commitment driving their work: “We’ll go the extra mile to find the right resources and make sure people know we are here.”
An Expanding Volunteer Network to Meet Growing Needs
Due to the alarming rise in homelessness and demand for services, The United Effort Organization is urgently seeking more volunteers to join and amplify its impact in Santa Clara County.
The scale of the crisis is clear. With over two thousand people empowered on paths to self-sufficiency by this volunteer-driven effort, the initiative stands as a beacon of hope and a model for similar communities facing homelessness surges nationwide.
As the housing affordability crisis intensifies across the U.S., the work of dedicated individuals like Wei and Claire underscores the critical importance of grassroots mobilization to fill gaps left by larger systems.
The Road Ahead
With homelessness growing rapidly, time is of the essence. The nonprofit continues to innovate by updating their online tools and rallying community support to meet the urgent practical needs of Santa Clara’s vulnerable population.
Volunteers and supporters can connect directly with The United Effort Organization to help expand their reach and change lives today.
This ongoing effort illustrates the power of community unity and personal dedication in the face of one of America’s most pressing social challenges — homelessness.
