OUR STORIES
At Father Joe’s Villages, we’ve seen lives transformed, hope renewed and dignity restored. Read the real stories of the people we’ve served.

Investing in Children: Patrick Strives for a Better Life for His Family
A father of seven children, Patrick always worked extra hard to support his family. However, after being let go from his job as a Lead Electronic Assembly Specialist, Patrick became unable to pay his rent and he and his family ended up losing their home. When they became homeless, Father Joe’s Villages was there to offer support and resources.
How Housing Helps Families in Need: Michelle’s Story
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A Fresh Start: Alejandro Cooks Up a Better Future
At Father Joe’s Villages, we believe in the potential of our clients. Our sector-based vocational training programs, including our long-standing Culinary Arts Program, open the door to a new, hopeful future for individuals like Alejandro.
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Health and Homelessness: Elizabeth’s Story
For those struggling to pay rent, a serious illness or disability can quickly cause a downward spiral into homelessness. When Elizabeth contracted Bacterial Meningitis, her entire world fell apart. Father Joe’s Villages helped her put the pieces back together.
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NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS BLOG
Father Joe’s Villages’ 2021 Resolutions
As Father Joe’s Villages braces for record-breaking levels of housing insecurity, our 2021 Resolutions focus on adjusting our comprehensive services and programs to better help those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Top Jobs that Help People and Give Back (and are Hiring in 2021)
At Father Joe’s Villages, we believe that together, we can end homelessness, one life at a time. Our team of talented and dedicated staff is critical to ensuring that over 2,100 people in need have a safe place to sleep each night. The people that choose to work at...
Father Joe’s Villages Joins Health Center Partners of Southern California
Partnership Widens Safety Net to Address Complex Needs of Homeless in San Diego. Health Center Partners of Southern California (HCP), the leading consortium providing health care policy, advocacy, technical assistance and training, and programs and services to...
Spotlight on the Community Podcast: Father Joe’s Villages Successfully Turns Lives Around
Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe's Villages, talks about his organization's campaign to prevent and end homelessness, one life at a time. Vargas discusses the new process of distributing three meals a day to those in need, as well as the Turn the Key...
Father Joe’s Villages Braces For Surging Housing Insecurity This Holiday Season
2020 has been a hard year for everyone. The COVID-19 crisis has created unprecedented challenges for health care, supply chains, and small businesses. The impacts on employment and housing insecurity could have a long-lasting impact on the lives of people at-risk of...
Father Joe’s Villages Food Services Program Serves as a Doorway to a Better Life
A Door to Hope At Father Joe’s Villages, a meal is not only a means of survival. It is a door to hope and overcoming homelessness. Eddie, who was homeless for months before finding Father Joe’s Villages, knows the difficulties of food scarcity firsthand. While living...
5 Ways to Give Back to the Community This Thanksgiving
While family gatherings may look different this year due to coronavirus, here are just a few ways you can give back this Thanksgiving with Father Joe’s Villages.
Father Joe’s Villages’ Recuperative Care Program
About Recuperative Care Some of our neighbors do not have a home where they can continue healing after leaving the hospital. Father Joe’s Villages’ Recuperative Care Program (RCP) bridges the gap between discharge and a full recovery, improving outcomes and reducing...
14 Reasons Why You Should Shop at a Thrift Store
Charitable or non-profit organizations often run thrift shops to raise money to support their missions. Father Joe’s Villages’ thrift stores, for example, help fund critical programs helping neighbors leave homelessness behind. Donating to and shopping at thrift stores has a host of benefits and can support a good cause.