When Valerie lost her job, her family ended up on the street, sleeping in their car. That’s when Father Joe’s Villages stepped in and gave them the tools they needed to shine.
Your support made it possible for us to take another step forward in the mission to end homelessness. Together—with your help—we were able to successfully move hundreds of people into permanent housing this year.
The enhanced services we provide, such as health care, addiction treatment, childcare, employment services and more, are vital in preparing women and families to not only find housing, but maintain it for years to come.
Take the family of Valerie, Jim and Isabella for example. This family was able to find their way home due to the comprehensive support of Father Joe’s Villages.
For years, Valerie, her husband and their 6-year-old granddaughter were living paycheck to paycheck, always one step away from losing their home. So when Valerie was laid off from her job of 10 years, she knew that she needed to find work as soon as possible.
However, despite her best efforts, she wasn’t able to find work fast enough and they were no longer able to afford to pay their rent. The family moved into a car and lived there for over two months before coming to Father Joe’s Villages.
After moving into family housing in the Joan Kroc Center, Valerie and Jim were able to focus on finding work, while Isabella attended our Therapeutic Childcare Program.
Valerie says that coming to Father Joe’s Villages, she didn’t know what to expect. However, she was immediately touched by the compassion and care of our volunteers and staff.
“[The people at Father Joe’s Villages] try as hard as they can to provide as much normalcy as possible, which I really appreciated. The staff and supervisors are incredibly helpful and try to assist as much as possible.”
With a secure, safe and reliable roof over their heads, warm meals and childcare for Isabella, both Valerie and Jim were able to concentrate on finding work again. Employment & Education Services helped both of them secure jobs quickly and began to save for housing and a brighter future for their granddaughter.
Recently, the family was matched with affordable housing. They will soon move into an apartment of their own, where they can get a fresh start and begin their year living self-sufficiently.
Father Joe’s Villages not only provided Valerie, Jim and Isabella with shelter, nourishment and care, but also with the opportunity to make a new beginning.
For that, Valerie is extremely grateful:
“Thank you to all the donors, volunteers, staff, supervisors and everyone who contributes to [Father Joe’s Villages]!”
Their family is just one of the 300 families that Father Joe’s Villages supports every night—a number that is growing due to our new temporary bridge shelter.
Just as we did with Valerie, Jim and Isabella, we will help each of these individuals and families discover the hope and potential they need to look forward and accomplish their goals.
Donate today to help us cover the increased costs of supporting even more women and families.
Your contribution will support a fresh start for people who are homeless and a new beginning for all of San Diego.
If you are experiencing homelessness and are in need of services in San Diego, please call 1-619-233-8500 to speak to a representative about your next steps. You can also access emergency services and resources at the San Diego Day Center or at the front desk in the Joan Kroc Center.
San Diego Day Center
Father Joe’s Villages – Front Desk
