Along the outskirts of downtown San Diego, the rising homeless population is accentuated by rows of tents and makeshift shelters that house hundreds of men, women and children.
"The inn is full,” said Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, a homeless service organization that provides 1,600 beds to people in need every night. “Not only here. Every service provider.”
Father Joe’s is working to help more people get off the streets by transitioning 225 of its temporary housing units into permanent homes, the organization announced Monday. The move is part of the city’s long-term vision to end homelessness for good.
Nearly half of the permanent homeowners will be those currently living on the streets, Vargas said. The other units will go to people who are transitioning from the Village's temporary housing.
Permanent housing units for single adults will be located at the Village’s Commercial and 15th property. Nearly 40 young adults ages 18-24 will reside at the Toussaint Center at 5th & Ash. Teens who currently live at Toussaint will be placed into other programs or reunited with their families. Teens will also continue to be served at the St. Vincent de Paul Village campus in the East Village.
“Father Joe's Villages will work with each teen individually to help ensure a safe, healthy next step,” the organization stated.
Additional individuals will be placed in permanent housing units located throughout San Diego County.
Vargas said the new homes won’t make much of a dent in the growing street population.
“We know there are 5,000 men women and children who are on the streets each and every single night so this is a step in the right direction,” Vargas said.
The project is being funded by the city, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and private donations.
