What is car donation?

Car donation is when a former car owner gives their no-longer-used cars to a charitable organization. The car is then sold at a donation center or at auction, and the profits are given to charity. Whether it’s in perfect condition or it no longer starts, a used car can still go a long way toward helping our neighbors in need.

Why should I donate my car to Father Joe’s Villages?

Father Joe’s Villages was voted San Diego’s best charity in the 2018 San Diego Union Tribune’s reader’s poll. We are the local leader in ending homelessness. Watchdog organizations say that top-rated charities should spend at least 75% of their budget on services. Father Joe’s Villages works hard to ensure that as much as your money as possible goes directly to programs helping our neighbors in need. 83% of our revenues are spent on our life-changing programs. As a result, your vehicle donation can help transform the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in San Diego. Plus, by donating your vehicle, you avoid the costs associated with selling it.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

You can receive tax benefits for giving back to your local community. Father Joe’s Villages is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your car is tax-deductible as a charitable contribution to the extent allowed by law. After you donate to Father Joe’s Villages, a donation receipt will be provided to you that provides the details of your contribution. According to the IRS: If the charity sells your car for more than $500: You can claim the full sale price for your tax deduction. Write the deduction amount on your IRS 1040 form. If the charity sells your car for less than $500: You can claim the fair market value up to a maximum of $500. Fill out a IRS Form 8283 Section A and a Form 9453 for e-filing. If the charity sells your car for less than $5,000: You will be required to submit an IRS Form 8283, an IRS Form 1098-c (or a legal receipt from charity) and a written appraisal of the vehicle’s value to the IRS (we will provide). Benefits will depend on your individual tax situation, so please refer to your tax advisor.

What types of vehicles can be donated?

You can donate a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV or other motor vehicle— Father Joe’s Villages accepts vehicles of all kinds!

Does my car have to be running to donate it?

We can accept your car donation, whether the car is running or not. If you have questions about a particular vehicle, contact a friendly representative at 1-619-HOMELESS to get your questions answered.

What paperwork do I need to get ready for pick-up?

We make the experience as smooth as possible for our valued donors. When preparing for your scheduled vehicle pick-up, please bring the title for your vehicle. If you don’t have your title, please bring your registration. Aside from having the title and/or registration, we’ll need proof of Lien release, if applicable. At the time of pick-up, we’ll give you a packet of DMV paperwork. You’ll need to sign the Release of Liability, Statement of Errors, Bill of Sale, Application for Duplicate Title, Transfer without Probate and Statement of Facts. After signing, we’ll take care of the rest! See “Is my donation tax-deductible?” for more information about potential tax benefits.

Do I need a smog certificate in order to donate my car?

No, you may donate your vehicle without these documents.

How long will it take to pick up my vehicle?

We make donating your car as simple and convenient as possible. We will schedule the pick-up as soon as we can.

Do you offer free pick-up services?

Yes, our donation pick-up services are free. If you are able, we are happy to accept cash donations to cover the cost of gas. Our drivers carry donation envelopes.

Do I have to be with the vehicle at the time of pick-up?

No. Special arrangements can be made by calling our representative.

Father Joe's Villages Detox Program

We assist our residents in identifying a new way of life with healthy coping skills and living a sober lifestyle.

The philosophy of Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program is to meet the changing needs of individuals experiencing Substance Use Disorders. The program is for individuals struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and emotional trauma. We believe our program is the first step toward our residents’ goal of becoming sober members of the community.

Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program is designed to help our residents begin to break the cycle of pain, anger, and self-destructive behavior that comes along with substance abuse, homelessness, and unemployment. We believe intensive treatment leads to self-sustaining independence, the maximizing of human potential, and a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Admission & Exclusion Criteria

Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program accepts referrals from hospitals, substance use disorder programs, justice-involved individuals, crisis houses, community partners, and self-referrals. The staff at Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program expects that individuals are entering the program because they are motivated to make a change in their lives.

Individuals who enter into the detox environment must:

Refrain from use of illicit drugs or alcohol.
Possession or use of drugs/alcohol/paraphernalia onsite is prohibited.
Demonstrate safe behavior towards themselves and others at all times.
Arrive with at least a two-week supply of all medications and medical supplies.
Be willing to participate in the program components and plan their care for the future with Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program staff.

We are unable to serve individuals who are:

Experiencing a medical or psychiatric health condition that necessitates a higher level of care (e.g. current suicidal ideation, complex wound care, extensive need for physical therapy multiple times per day, etc.).
Unwilling/Unable to cohabitate with others in a communal living environment.
Registered sex offender or convicted of arson.
Individuals who are currently debarred (excluded) from services at Father Joe’s Village due to prior behavioral issues.
Positive for active TB not yet cleared for community-dwelling (i.e. contagious).

Contact Father Joe’s Villages Detox Program

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Why Father Joe’s Villages Detox

Father Joe’s is uniquely positioned to provide withdrawal management services in San Diego:

We treat all clients according to our company values of CREED.
We are experts in providing residential services to homeless individuals and families, with decades of experience.
Our onsite Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the Village Health Center, employs best practices in healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness and includes primary care, dental, psychiatry, behavioral health, substance/alcohol use disorder treatment, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), laboratory, referrals and care management services.
Our buildings have the support of 24/7 shelter and security staff.
Our staff is consistently trained with the latest in substance use disorder trends and interventions.

We cannot continue triaging people and sending them back to the streets expecting them to get better, like putting a Band-Aid over a broken bone.

We must diversify our shelter bed options so people in recovery can have somewhere to thrive and achieve the best outcomes. Everyone deserves the right to confront their substance use challenges and change their lives.

Deacon Jim

President & CEO, Father Joe's Villages

I am proud to have led the City Council in implementing essential, common-sense changes to the permitting process, allowing behavioral health providers like Father Joe’s Villages to more easily find locations to deliver their critical care.

Because of these changes, more San Diegans will be empowered to take brave steps toward recovery and reclaiming their lives.

Raul Campillo

Councilmember, City of San Diego, District 7

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions, please contact Father Joe’s Villages at 1-619-HOMELESS (619-446-2100).

What is a detox center?

A detox center is a medically supervised facility that helps individuals safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol. It is often the first step in the recovery process.

What substances do you offer detox for?

We provide detox services for alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and other substances. Each detox plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

How long will I be in detox?

The detox process typically lasts between 10 to 14 days, depending on the substance used, duration of use, and individual health factors.

Do you provide medication during detox?

No. We do not provide medications. We can connect you to our onsite clinic to get FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and make the process more comfortable.

How do I get admitted to your detox program?

You can call us directly, fill out a confidential online form, or have your healthcare provider refer you. We’ll guide you through a simple intake process.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept Medi-Cal. Please discuss your insurance with the staff screening you for intake.

What if I don’t have insurance?

We offer self-pay options and can work with you to find a financial solution that fits your needs. Our benefits and enrollment specialists can also assist with getting enrolled for insurance.

What should I bring with me to detox?

Bring comfortable clothing, personal hygiene items, and any necessary prescriptions that you will need for a 10 to 14 day stay in detox.

Can I bring my pet with me to detox?

Yes. We welcome pets. Please discuss your pets with the staff screening you for intake.

Can I have visitors during detox?

No. For your safety and focus on recovery, visitation policies are limited during detox. However, we support healthy family involvement and will provide updates and guidance at the patient’s discretion.

Will I have access to counseling or therapy?

Yes. In addition to medical care, we offer emotional and psychological support through counseling and group sessions during detox.

What happens after detox?

We’ll help you transition into the next stage of recovery, whether it’s residential treatment, outpatient care, or a support program tailored to your needs.

Do you offer long-term treatment options?

Yes. While detox is the first step, we can connect you to or directly provide continued treatment services to support your long-term recovery.

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