SAN DIEGO — The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Father Joe’s Villages, San Diego’s largest organization fighting to end homelessness throughout the region.
Once known as the St. Vincent de Paul Center, Father Joe’s Villages has led the region in providing innovative, holistic solutions that have helped tens of thousands of individuals and families transition away from life on the streets and into permanent homes.
Under the guidance of the late Msgr. Joseph “Father Joe” Carroll, who passed away in 2021, the organization followed a then-revolutionary approach: listening to the needs of people experiencing homelessness.
This led Father Joe’s Villages to understand that a one-size-fits-all solution was unable to truly, fundamentally support San Diego’s most vulnerable.
On Jan. 1, the organization began the new year by opening a 248-bed sober shelter.
During 2025, Father Joe’s Villages also expects to:
- Open a 44-bed detox center at the Paul Mirabile Center in April;
- Expand support for seniors with a new shelter at the Veterans Village San Diego Site, alongside permanent supportive housing and case-management services to help clients access benefits like disability or Social Security;
- Launch prevention programs to provide assistance and alternatives to the streets for those at risk of homelessness;
- Develop two new affordable housing communities in San Diego and one in Oceanside through Father Joe’s Villages “Turning the Key” program.
“We continue to be inspired by the example of all who came before us, especially Father Joe Carroll, who supported our neighbors through embodying compassion, respect, empathy, empowerment and dignity. This is the example we follow each and every day,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “As we have done for the past 75 years, we will continue to lead the movement to end homelessness and inspire our community through solutions and innovations necessary with both urgency and compassion.”
