San Jose is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, the dream of a stable, affordable home is slipping further out of reach currently. With rent prices soaring above $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment, families, workers and individuals in essential jobs are being squeezed out of the housing market. For many, the only option left is to turn to their vehicles, whether a van, RV, or car just to have a roof over their heads.

A Desperate Alternative

For those who are unable to afford traditional housing, living in a vehicle becomes the last refuge. Though it provides a semblance of privacy and security compared to living on the streets, it’s far from ideal. Vehicles are dumped and without basic amenities. Running water, electricity or even access to a toilet, people are forced to live in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. Many RVs and cars are barely functional, adding the struggles of everyday survival.

This temporary solution comes at a high cost both physically and emotionally. People living in vehicles often face overwhelming isolation and stress. Without proper sanitation, health risks grow and the psychological toll of not knowing where you’ll sleep from one night to the next is immeasurable. What should be a brief hardship turns into an ongoing battle to hold on to a shred of dignity.

The Fear.

Adding to this already heart wrenching situation is the fear of being displaced. San Jose has been cracking down on vehicle parking, enforcing regulations. Residents face constant anxiety, knowing that at any moment, their temporary shelter could be taken away. This cycle of uncertainty traps people in a state of constant survival, rather than allowing them to rebuild their lives.

The Real Crisis.

The rise in vehicle living is a direct result of San Jose’s affordable housing crisis. As rent prices continue to climb. Affordable housing remains scarce, more individuals and families are finding themselves with nowhere to go but their cars. While RVs and vehicles may provide temporary shelter, they are not a long term solution. They reflect a deeper crisis. A crisis where people are forced to live on the fringes of society, without the basic stability needed to thrive.

Until the city takes meaningful action to create affordable housing options and provide a path out of this cycle, the struggle of living in vehicles will continue to haunt more families. Behind every parked RV, every person sleeping in a van, is a story of desperation, resilience and hope for a better future.