St. Vincent’s to Serve First Meal of New Millenium
21st Century Brings Hope for Village Clients

   SAN DIEGO — St. Vincent de Paul Village, located at 1501 Imperial Avenue, will serve its first non-resident lunch of the new millenium on Monday, Jan 1, at 11 a.m. Since its opening in 1987, the downtown homeless rehabilitation center has served more than 15 million meals and intends to keep this vital service available to its neighbors in need.

   "Nobody ever goes hungry at St. Vincent’s," says Father Joe Carroll, president of the Village. "We’re here to ensure that not only homeless individuals receive a warm, nourishing meal every day of the year, but also those San Diegans who may have housing, but don’t have money for food after rent is paid."

   More working families than ever are accessing services at the 855-bed facility, a growing trend caused by the high cost of rent and skyrocketing energy rates affecting the area earlier this year, says Father Joe.

   "For everyone joining us for this landmark meal, we hope it will be the beginning of a brighter year, success and the first step to self-sufficiency," he says. "For many of our residents, it was the meal program that served as an entree to the other services we offer at the Village."

   St. Vincent de Paul Village provides medical and dental care, job-training, chemical dependency classes, adult basic education, children’s services and a comprehensive list of other services to address the needs of homeless families and individuals.

   For more information on Monday’s roast chicken meal, please call (619) 525-1608.

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