Father Joe's Begins Matching Donation Campaign For Shelter Diversion Program

SAN DIEGO, CA — Father Joe's Villages, San Diego's largest nonprofit homelessness services provider, began a matching donation campaign with the David C. Copley Foundation Thursday to help divert hundreds of families from entering the shelter system.

The campaign, which seeks to raise $250,000 by the end of the year to receive a matching amount from the Copley Foundation, will go toward funding Father Joe's diversion program. The program is intended to "help people secure alternative housing options before they end up in the shelter system, or quickly after entering it," by resolving immediate needs such as rent through subsidies.

"We hear far too many stories of people falling into homelessness simply for missing a single rent payment," said Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe's Villages. ``And we know it does not need to be this way. With your support, we can funnel more resources into intervening early to divert thousands of people from entering the shelter system.

``We end homelessness not just by helping people leave the streets behind but by ensuring no one is ever put into that position in the first place."

According to Regional Task Force on Homelessness statistics, more than 9,000 people in San Diego County are experiencing homelessness, 60% of whom are without shelter. A state auditor found that a single chronically homeless person can cost taxpayers as much as $50,000 per year. Keeping them from every needing a shelter in the first place can save taxpayers tens of thousands.

The campaign will run until December 31. Those interested in donating may give at http://neighbor.org/donate.

City News Service