Report reveals deep financial strain and widespread chronic stress among Santa Clara County and Hollister Residents.
San Jose, Ca – Findings from a comprehensive new poll released today highlight the struggles many Silicon Valley communities are experiencing under current economic pressures, as many worry about housing and how they will continue to put food on the table. The poll, sponsored by The Health Trust (THT), revealed that three in four residents are either “just getting by” (40%) or “really struggling” (35%) financially.
“The results underscore a major polycrisis that is happening in our communities, where multiple outside factors are contributing to the chronic stress people are experiencing,” said Dr. Tony Iton, CEO and President of The Health Trust. “When residents are sounding the alarm on housing, food and health care costs, while struggling to make ends meet, it is clear we are facing a regional crisis of affordability that impacts every aspect of health and well-being.”
The poll was conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) and reached residents in Santa Clara County and the City of Hollister with household incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. According to THT staff, the data was collected to better understand the economic, health and wellness challenges facing communities living alongside some of the wealthiest parts of California.
Key findings from the report include:
Pervasive Food Insecurity: 74% of respondents reported worrying that their food would run out before they had money to buy more. This crisis is highest among Latino residents and those already receiving SNAP benefits, with 38% and 41% respectively reporting they “often” worry about running out of food.
A Mental Health Crisis Driven by Economics: 63% of residents reported experiencing chronic stress, feeling pressured and overwhelmed for long periods of time over the last year. The primary drivers of this stress are money (92%) and the economy (87%). Nine in ten residents (90%) identify the cost of housing as an extremely or very serious problem. On top of housing, residents are feeling the squeeze from all sides with 87% of respondents citing the overall cost of living as a serious problem, followed by the cost of gas (84%) and the cost of food and groceries (82%).
The survey also noted a significant shift in how residents consume information and who their trusted massagers are. While local TV news remains the top source for those over 50 (57%), residents under 50 (53%) prefer to receive their information from social media. Respondents also see medical professionals, including doctors (69%) and nurses (66%), as the most trusted sources of information about community issues.
“This data provides a roadmap for where our interventions are most needed,” said Iton. “From addressing the root causes of chronic stress to improving health care affordability, we must listen to the voices of our neighbors who are struggling to survive in one of the most expensive regions in the country.”
For more information about this poll please click the Download link below.
About The Health Trust:
Founded in 1996, The Health Trust is celebrating 30 years of advancing health and wellbeing in Silicon Valley. The Health Trust invests in system change that improves health outcomes for all residents, with a focus on communities facing the greatest inequities. Through strategic grantmaking, advocacy and partnerships, the organization works to strengthen food access, expand economic opportunities and support community driven solutions. By aligning resources with partner organizations and lived experience, The Health Trust helps build a healthier, more equitable future for Silicon Valley. For more information visit https://www.thehealthtrust.org/
Media Contact:
Karen Napoletano
karenn@healthtrust.org
