Solving the homelessness crisis in San Diego requires not only proven solutions but also the commitment to meet every individual in need with compassion and practical support.
One critical but underprovided service for many experiencing homelessness is substance use treatment. With the devastating spread of fentanyl, the urgency for accessible treatment options has reached a crisis point.
Starting in 2019, San Diego saw a troubling rise in deaths among the homeless, with fentanyl being a major factor. In 2018, fentanyl was linked to six overdose deaths in the county; by 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 269—a staggering 4,383% increase. This is a clear public health crisis.
Substance addiction can strip away everything, making it frighteningly easy to slip from housed to unhoused. Prolonged exposure to street life dramatically reduces the chances of recovery and stability. Tragically, those grappling with substance use disorder often face significant stigma and limited care options. Detoxification (detox) services provide a critical, safe space for individuals to withdraw from harmful substances while receiving necessary medical care and support.
Currently, San Diego County has only 78 detox beds for millions of residents. The waitlist for these beds can stretch into weeks, and none are specifically tailored for the homeless population. This shortage is a severe barrier to recovery and stability.
Our outreach teams frequently encounter individuals desperate for help that is simply unavailable. It’s heartbreaking to hear someone say, “I am ready, right now, to enter treatment,” knowing the odds of them securing a detox bed are slim. Missing this crucial moment of resolve can mean missing a chance to save a life.
At Father Joe’s Villages, we know that addiction can be overcome. Our Federally Qualified Health Center provides comprehensive substance use treatment, with teams of psychiatrists, counselors, outreach workers, physicians, and peer support specialists working daily to help individuals on their path to self-sufficiency.
However, we recognize that more is needed. Expecting individuals to achieve and maintain recovery while living on the streets is unrealistic. Immediate access to drugs and the lack of supportive environments undermine their efforts.
This is why Father Joe’s Villages is launching a transformative addition to our services: the region’s largest detox and sober living shelter for the homeless.
Our new facility will offer 45 detox beds, providing a safe space for individuals to withdraw from opioids and other substances with the support of healthcare professionals and specialized counselors. Additionally, we will establish a recovery and sober living shelter to serve nearly 250 people in the same building.
Our vision is to create a self-contained ecosystem at Father Joe’s Villages, where individuals can access a full spectrum of behavioral health treatments, employment services, and safe, supportive housing as they transition out of homelessness and addiction.
This ambitious project requires the support and generosity of all San Diegans. The detox and sober living facility will cost $1.5 million to build and will be funded entirely by donations. As we mark our 75th anniversary, we believe in the compassion of our community, which has continually supported our mission to transform lives.
Many have become desensitized to homelessness, often overlooking the humanity of those affected. Every person on the streets has a unique story, and their paths to recovery are equally complex.
Many of our unhoused neighbors want help. But for many, the necessary care is not available. Together, we can change this.
Please join us in being part of the solution. Together, we can provide the help and hope needed to overcome homelessness and addiction in San Diego. Join our movement and drive change. Learn more at neighbor.org.
