The state of homelessness in Vallejo in 2025 got off to a tragic start when James Oakley, 58, was crushed to death as he lay on a mattress during a city-run cleanup on Christmas Eve 2024, just a week before the new year began.

Oakley’s death, increasing numbers of homeless citizens and a dearth of resources for them make for a pessimistic outlook going forward, though a long-delayed shelter opened in June and at least one advocate has expressed optimism for the future.

Homelessness increased 50 percent in Vallejo between 2022 and 2024, according to Solano County’s 2024 Point in Time homeless count , with 682 people experiencing homelessness in Vallejo in 2024. Homelessness grew 6 percent in the Bay Area in 2024 and 18 percent in the country.

Every Vallejo resident — housed or unho

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