10 Things About Ed Witt & Father Joe’s Villages
“These are neighbors not strangers. They are somebody’s son, daughter. They’re just in trouble but there’s a way to help.”
– Father Joe Carroll
Father Joe came to San Diego at age 22 with only $50. He was ordained in 1974, and in 1982, Bishop Leo T. Maher asked him to lead St. Vincent de Paul Center. Father Joe was instrumental in building a “one stop shop” approach for serving San Diegans experiencing homelessness and poverty. Father Joe’s Villages will honor the life and legacy of Father Joe at its new affordable housing community, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa. Board Member Ed Witt is chairing the Hope Lives Here Campaign to help build Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa.
10 Things About Ed Witt & Father Joe’s Villages
#1 I grew up in Crivitz, Wisconsin, a small town of 900 people.
#2 As long as I’m with my wife, Ann, I’m happy. We love living in the Village of La Jolla. We walk everywhere. I often say, “If we can’t walk there, we don’t go there!”
#3 Whenever possible, I like to start my day with a walk on the beach.
#4 I am a technology junky. I love learning about the latest tech gadgets.
#5 If I have 30 minutes of free time, I grab a book and find a quiet spot.
#6 Emma, our Cavapoo, joined our family in February 2020, just before Covid hit. She has been an absolute joy, a great companion and perfect traveler!
#7 Father Joe’s Villages has grown to include a comprehensive campus and site programs that house over 2,000 people nightly.
#8 Theresa is one of thousands who have benefitted from Father Joe’s outreach. “What do you think you need to overcome homelessness?” Father Joe asked Theresa. She replied that she needed education, a job, and help with gaining sobriety. “We have all of that for you,” said Father Joe. At Father Joe’s Villages, Theresa received shelter, mental health services, substance-use disorder services, and employment training to be a property manager. 15 years later, Theresa is still thriving, demonstrating that, with the right support, neighbors can and do end their homelessness for good.
#9 Early next year, Father Joe’s Villages will be bringing hope to 500 neighbors in need, as they move into their new affordable housing community, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa.
#10 Father Joe’s Villages is inviting all of San Diego to join in honoring Father Joe’s legacy by reserving a paver in the Father Joe Carroll Memorial Promenade at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa. Learn more about reserving a commemorative paver or other naming opportunities in Saint Teresa of Calcutta Villa at my.neighbor.org/hopeliveshere.
