Since 2020, Father Joe’s Villages has accepted pets, emotional support animals, and service animals at all of their shelters, ensuring that no one must choose between access to critical, life-saving resources and their animal companions. (Photo courtesy of Father Joe’s Villages)
Paws, prayers, and plenty of wagging tails will fill the courtyard at Father Joe’s Villages on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The nonprofit is hosting a single “Blessing of the Animals” event at 10:30 a.m., just before Mass at the Joan Kroc Center at 1501 Imperial Ave., where Deacon Jim Vargas will offer blessings to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.
For folks who have lost so much, a pet can mean everything — a source of comfort, protection, and unconditional love. Father Joe’s Villages understands that bond, which is why, since 2020, all of its shelters have welcomed pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. No one should have to choose between a safe place to stay and the animal who feels like family.
Both residents and community members are welcome to bring their four-legged companions. Even if you don’t have a pet of your own, you’re invited to stop by, enjoy the moment, and share in the joy these animals bring to the community.
For 75 years, Father Joe’s Villages has been San Diego’s largest provider of homeless services, helping thousands of people every night with housing, healthcare, childcare, job training, and more — offering not just shelter, but pathways out of homelessness, according to a news release.
Details: https://my.neighbor.org/
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