The opioid crisis has severely impacted homeless individuals in San Diego, with substance use treatment increasingly difficult to obtain. The spread of fentanyl has exacerbated the problem, leading to a significant rise in overdose deaths. In San Diego County, there are only 78 detox beds available, none of which are specifically designated for homeless individuals. This shortage means that many people ready to enter treatment are unable to find a bed, potentially missing a critical moment for intervention. The lack of accessible treatment options for those living on the streets further complicates their recovery as they remain exposed to immediate access to drugs and minimal support.

To combat this crisis, Father Joe’s Villages is building the region’s largest detox and sober living shelter specifically for homeless individuals. This new facility will include 45 detox beds and provide a recovery and sober living environment for nearly 250 people. The goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem offering behavioural health treatment, employment services, and safe living conditions to help individuals transition out of homelessness and substance use. This initiative highlights the urgent need for more detox and treatment beds to address the opioid crisis effectively, especially among the homeless population.

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune