There are multiple reasons why someone may be experiencing homelessness, and Father Joe’s Villages recognizes that one cannot talk about solving the homelessness crisis without talking about healthcare. Illness, pain or disability can prevent individuals from being able to secure income. Furthermore, the burden of medical bills combined with an inability to work causes many neighbors to fall into homelessness. Father Joe’s Villages recognizes this reality. Its Village Health Center (VHC) provides medical, dental, psychiatric and behavioral healthcare – all in a single location.
Father Joe’s Villages outlines its care under four pillars: 1) Meeting Basic Needs; 2) Investing in Children; 3) Strengthening Self-Sufficiency; 4) Making Health a Priority. The range of healthcare services provided at Father Joe’s Villages represents the unique nature of human beings and how care must be tailored to each individual’s needs.
The VHC provided care to almost 3,000 individuals in 2022. 53% of those services were Medical, 19% Mental Health, 11% Dental, 9% Psychiatry and 8% Transformative Recovery Services. These percentages illustrate the demand for the complex and holistic care provided at Father Joe’s Villages. A one size fits all health delivery model is simply not an effective solution.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness count concluded that nearly 63% of those living on the streets had a disability in 2021. Additionally, many of these neighbors also do not have the capacity to make informed decisions about their health and well-being due to the severity of their illness or trauma. This is a tragedy, and it is where Street Health comes into play.
The Street Health and Street Psych programs provide both medical care and behavioral health services directly to those living on the street. This approach includes direct care services such as treating wounds or injuries and transportation to health-related appointments. The street-based psychiatry services are considered cutting-edge as very few providers nationwide are offering this service.
Compassion and forward-thinking are key to solving the homelessness crisis happening here in San Diego, and helping neighbors back to good health is a key first step.
The progress happening at the Village every day is only possible with the generosity and support of the community. To make an impact or learn more, visit my.neighbor.org today.
