By @tonymanolatos

On this episode of Dear San Diego, Tony Manolatos is joined by special guest co-host Justine Murray, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Downtown San Diego Partnership, for a meaningful conversation with Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages.

The discussion explores one of the most urgent and visible challenges facing San Diego: homelessness. But rather than reduce the issue to headlines or talking points, this episode focuses on the people at the center of the crisis — and the systems, services, and leadership needed to help them stabilize and rebuild their lives.

Deacon Jim shares his personal story, from growing up in the Bronx to building a career in banking, moving to San Diego and working for the Copleys, becoming ordained as a deacon, and ultimately stepping into leadership at Father Joe’s Villages. He reflects on faith, service, and how his life experiences prepared him for this role.

The conversation also digs into the work Father Joe’s is doing today — including shelter, housing, meals, job training, detox and recovery services, street health, and behavioral health care. One statistic that stood out: in just the last few months of 2025, Father Joe’s provided more than 2,100 behavioral health services, a 2.5-times increase over the same period the year before.

Deacon Jim explains why that surge matters, what it says about the growing complexity of homelessness, and why shelter and housing should not be treated as competing ideas. Both, he argues, are essential.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Deacon Jim reminds listeners that the people experiencing homelessness are no different from those of us who are housed.

“There but for the grace of God go I,” he says.

He encourages San Diegans to start with something simple: acknowledge people, make eye contact, say hello, volunteer. Because engagement changes perspective — and human connection can break stigma in ways policy alone cannot.

This is a conversation about leadership, faith, accountability, dignity, and the hard work of building real solutions in San Diego.

If you want to learn more about Father Joe’s Villages, support their work, or get involved, visit neighbor.org

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