FATHER JOE’S VILLAGES AND COUNTY LEADERS CELEBRATE OPENING OF 44 NEW DETOX BEDS TO COMBAT OPIOID CRISIS AMONG UNSHELTERED POPULATION
SAN DIEGO — Today, San Diego County Supervisors Paloma Aguirre and Monica Montgomery Steppe joined Father Joe’s Villages to announce the official opening of 44 new detox beds specifically designed to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. The program marks a major expansion in the region’s ability to provide immediate, life-saving intervention for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Until recently, the City of San Diego held only four Medi-Cal detox beds. With the fentanyl crisis claiming the lives of 361 unsheltered San Diegans in 2022 alone, the addition of these 44 beds represents a massive increase in capacity for the region's most vulnerable residents.
“The detox center reflects our community’s and the County’s deep commitment to standing alongside our neighbors as they work to build new lives beyond homelessness,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “This is a place designed to support real, lasting healing and go beyond traditional recovery models by caring for the whole person. Grounded in dignity and hope, it provides an environment where people can regain their strength, rediscover their purpose, and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.”
The detox program offers up to 14 days of care, including Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), integrated psychiatry, dental care, and onsite lab services. Crucially, the model allows for pets to stay with their owners, removing a common barrier that prevents individuals from seeking help.
“For too long, our neighbors on the street have faced a 'waitlist' for survival,” said Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. “By providing these 44 beds, we are moving toward active solutions. This facility isn't just a clinical site; it is a bridge to stability that honors the dignity of every person who walks through its doors. We are proud to partner with Father Joe’s Villages to ensure that Medi-Cal recipients have the same access to life-saving care as anyone else.”
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe added, “Every dollar we invest in withdrawal management saves multiple dollars downstream in emergency response, incarceration, and medical costs. But more importantly, it saves lives. We knew there was an urgent need to get people the help they want and deserve, and we’re so grateful to partner with Father Joe’s Villages to provide compassionate detox services for Medi-Cal recipients.”
About Father Joe’s Villages:
As San Diego’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages has been a beacon of hope for 75 years. They provide a wide range of services, including housing, healthcare, food, and clothing, to thousands of people each year.
Watch the full press conference here: https://youtu.be/F1MO-CVzHGc
