Free Homeless Detox Opens in San Diego

A new homeless detox in San Diego officially opened this past September, offering a lifeline to unhoused residents struggling with addiction. Father Joe’s Villages launched the 44 bed facility to Southern Californians experiencing substance abuse disorders receive care and stability.

Advocates for the homeless have mentioned that one critical need is access to medical detox services tailored to their circumstances. Without insurance or financial resources, the homeless population often can’t afford the detox treatment the need, so they go without. In 2024 alone, 291 unhoused San Diego residents died from drug overdoses according to county data.

Josh Bohannan is Chief Strategy Officer for Father Joe’s Villages. Bohannan agreed that treatment options have been limited for the homeless. Before the new center, the city only had two Medi-Cal eligible detox beds. 

What that meant for folks is that if they didn’t have private health insurance or weren’t able to pay for a treatment program, they had to wait for one of the two available beds. With the looming substance use crisis, two detox beds didn’t begin to scratch the surface. 

Free Detox for San Diego’s Homeless Community

The new San Diego homeless detox program is designed to reduce those long wait times. It’s fully Medi-Cal eligible, ensuring treatment is readily available for residents, regardless of their income or insurance type. 

Father Joe’s Villages incorporates a holistic approach to drug and alcohol detox. Their program includes 14 intensive care days of immersive treatment for homeless residents. Now, they have shelter, healthcare, hot meals, and a safe space for their pets. 

After detox, outreach personnel help guests connect the dots to continued recovery. That may involve outpatient or residential treatment and extended support. The center was officially opened after being blessed by CEO Deacon Jim Vargas. 

The Bigger Picture for California Detox Programs

With the new State Senate Bill 43 allowing expanded involuntary mental health holds throughout California, the detox facility comes just in time. The county expects around 1,500 additional holds. 

While Father Joe’s Villages is a welcome sight for many homeless who need detox in San Diego, even 50 beds might be just a drop in the bucket for the hundreds who are waiting to get in.

If you or a loved one are looking for detox programs in San Diego, help is available.

Call 800-996-6135(Sponsored) or explore detox centers near you on Detox.com to start your recovery today.