Turning the Key
Father Joe’s Villages is Preventing Homelessness
Entering 2020, San Diego continues to face an affordable housing crisis. With the average home price around $600,000 and the average apartment renting for more than $2,200 a month, many San Diegans struggle to keep a roof over their heads. With limited supply, high demand and low vacancy rates, the crisis is unlikely to resolve itself anytime soon.
One of the most significant impacts of the lack of affordable housing is homelessness. With an increasing number of individuals and families spending more than half of their income on housing, many are only a few paychecks away from homelessness. That is why Father Joe’s Villages sees that affordable housing is a critical component in preventing homelessness. As part of their plan to transform underused lots and overlooked buildings into apartments, in 2020, Father Joe’s Villages will be overseeing the construction of three affordable housing projects.
One of these projects is a renovated hotel in South Bay, which will soon become 82 units of supportive housing. “Benson Place”, named in honor of Judy Benson and her family for the transformational gift that made the building possible, will open in summer of 2020 and provide supportive services and case management coupled with housing, to ensure that people stay housed permanently. Benson generously donated over three million dollars to fund the project.
Additionally, Father Joe’s Villages will break ground on a new housing development on 14th Street and Commercial Street in the East Village neighborhood of Downtown San Diego. The housing development will be 14-stories and provide 407 units of supportive and affordable housing along with comprehensive, life-changing services including employment assistance and vocational training, integrated behavioral, dental and physical health care, substance use disorder treatment, therapeutic childcare and more. Construction on 14th & Commercial is expected to be completed by 2022.
Lastly, in partnership with Chelsea Investment Corporation, Father Joe’s Villages is developing a mixed-use 14-story high-rise known as “13th and Broadway”. 13th and Broadway will include 273 affordable and supportive apartments and a new fire station. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2021 and completed in mid-2023.
“All three of these projects are examples of how Father Joe’s Villages is focused on long-term solutions, while at the same time addressing the near-term needs of people experiencing homelessness today,” President and CEO, Deacon Jim Vargas shared with GB Magazine. “Our critical meals, shelter and other emergency services relieve the suffering of those living on the streets, while our supportive services and our permanent and affordable housing programs work to help people gain self-sufficiency to end their homelessness for good.”
With more than 8,100 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages compassionate solutions are more necessary than ever. Additionally, their services are comprehensive, ensuring that people in need can overcome any obstacle on their journey to housing and employment.
Father Joe’s Villages relies on the generosity of donors to continue their mission to build a brighter future for San Diego. You can support Father Joe’s Villages’ efforts by donating cash, goods or cars at www.neighbor.org or by calling (619) 466-3537.
