Unhoused Latino Immigrants Struggle to Stay Healthy in the Bay Area

In San José, there’s a corner that was once home to many.

Before this silence… among trees and makeshift tents, this is where Rosa María used to live.

<ROSA MARÍA ESTRADA, UNHOUSED PERSON>

“I feed them and let them go… so they can run.”

We visited her days before the city-ordered evictions.
For five years, this was her refuge: surrounded by belongings, memories, and six inseparable companions—her dogs.

<ROSA MARÍA> 

“I was married, working, happy with my kids. But it was hard … I had to leave my husband and children.”

She speaks few words, but her voice and gaze reveal what she doesn’t say: the cracks of a life marked by depression and the absence of her six children, whom she hasn’t seen again.

<ROSA MARÍA> 

“I take Prozac for depression… and trazodone at night… to sleep. My blood pressure is also… a little high.”

She told me she has Medi-Cal and has been able to get regular checkups thanks to mobile clinics.

<MIRYAM STANDUP> 

In the middle of one of the richest cities in the country, many face a silent struggle: staying healthy, without shelter, and with limited resources. 

(CUT TO) 

In response, organizations have mobilized with services and mobile clinics to reach neighborhoods where people can’t access essential services—like a good shower, laundry, and medical care.

Services that for some are routine… for others, a lifeline on wheels.

<ANONYMOUS, UNHOUSED PERSON> 

“They gave me a spray to help me breathe… but I need to be somewhere with light… because I use oxygen.”

MIRYAM (asking ANONYMOUS MAN): “What’s your priority?”
“Health… because today you’re fine… and tomorrow you’re not.”

This resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, suffers from respiratory issues. His search for medical help led him to a mobile clinic.

<ERIK DIAZ, INTAKE SPECIALIST, WEHOPE>
“We connect everyone and help with the services they need—mental health, substance use, shelters.”

Erik Díaz works with the organization WeHope. They frequently visit the streets to bring resources and hope to people like Rosa María. But among the Latino population, there’s an added challenge.

<ERIK DIAZ, INTAKE SPECIALIST, WEHOPE> 

“What’s hard for them is… they don’t believe there’s help for them, but there is. And they’re afraid to ask for help.” 

(CUT TO)  

“What’s hardest right now is they’re afraid of ICE… of immigration.”

According to a report from UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative, many unhoused Latinos don’t seek help out of fear of revealing their immigration status or due to language barriers.

The data backs up what we see on the streets.

According to the latest count in Santa Clara county, there are over 10,000 unhoused people—50% of them are Latino.

Meanwhile, reports from the city of San José show that in just one year, over 200 people were added to the statistics: 6,503 people, an increase of 237 compared to 2023.

There has been progress: the number of people now staying in shelters has increased significantly from 16% in 2019 to nearly 40% in 2023.

in addition to the deployment of mobile clinics, authorities are accelerating their strategy. Mayor Matt Mahan has also prioritized the construction of temporary housing.

<ROSA MARÍA>  

“They told me they were going to take me to a motel…”

Rosa María told me she would accept the city’s help—a temporary room, a moment of relief.

<MIRYAM STANDUP>

We returned to the park to follow up on Rosa María’s situation. But as you can see… it’s now completely empty after the city’s evictions. We tried to find her at the motel she mentioned… but had no luck.

Still, what these streets teach us is that health should not depend on having a roof over your head—and it will always be a priority.

Miryam (asking ROSA MARÍA):
“What motivates you?”

<ROSA MARÍA>
“to see my children again… to be with them.”

MIRYAM (asking):
“What’s your biggest challenge?”

<ROSA MARÍA>
“Getting through this… alone.”

But what she should know is that she’s not alone—and that being sick and unhoused is an emergency that should never be invisible.