Opinion: San Diego Can't Lose Neil Good Day Center Services

A Vital Resource at Risk

Every day, hundreds of individuals step through the doors of the Neil Good Day Center in the East Village. For many, it is a sanctuary from the harsh realities of life on the streets. Others come seeking the basic dignity that homelessness often denies: access to medical care, laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, haircuts, and even pet care. This center serves as more than just a temporary refuge—it is a stepping stone for those ready to begin their journey out of homelessness.

In 2025 alone, the Day Center provided services to 6,712 people. These services include housing placement programs, job-seeking support, and other critical resources that help individuals regain stability. Yet, despite its importance, the center faces an uncertain future.

Funding Cuts Threaten Essential Services

Earlier this month, Mayor Todd Gloria released his draft budget, which includes a proposal to eliminate over $4.5 million in funding for Father Joe’s Villages, an organization that supports individuals experiencing homelessness. Specifically, the Day Center would lose all of its funding under this plan.

While the Day Center’s budget constitutes less than 1% of the city’s total spending on homelessness, its impact is far-reaching. The services it provides save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year.

For example, between June 2023 and June 2024, 942 individuals participated in over 2,100 conversations with staff about shelter alternatives. Since 2024, 211 households have been able to exit shelters faster or avoid entering them altogether due to direct diversion assistance. Of those 211 households, 126 were helped in the past year alone.

These efforts not only reduce the burden on shelters but also prevent costly emergency room visits and ambulance rides. By providing medical and behavioral health care, the Day Center helps individuals access life-saving substance use treatment, a crucial step in their path to recovery and stability.

A Commitment to Community

Despite the potential loss of funding, Father Joe’s Villages remains committed to supporting those in need. The organization believes in the life-saving interventions provided by the Day Center and will continue to offer services using only philanthropic funds. However, this means that the level of service may be reduced, making it harder for individuals to access the support they need.

The city is facing a significant deficit, and difficult decisions are inevitable. But these choices should not come at the expense of the most vulnerable members of our community. A strong and vibrant society is measured by how it cares for its most vulnerable.

The Consequences of Closure

Imagine a San Diego without the Day Center. Thousands of individuals would have nowhere to go except the streets. Public health risks would increase, as people would lack access to restrooms and showers, raising the likelihood of disease outbreaks such as hepatitis A.

Without the Day Center, individuals would face the indignities of having no place to store their belongings or an address to list on job applications. This would make it even harder for them to secure employment and rebuild their lives.

Closing the Day Center would mean cutting off a vital resource for thousands of people who are working toward a better tomorrow.

A Call to Action

We urge the City Council and Mayor Gloria to reconsider these proposed cuts. The Day Center is not just a line item in the budget—it is part of a broader network of resources that complement shelters and housing programs. Cutting it will not save money; instead, it will deepen the homeless crisis and shift costs elsewhere.

Our community also has a role to play. Your voice matters. We encourage you to participate in the city’s next public comment period on May 18. Advocate for the Day Center and urge the city to reject these cuts.

If San Diego hopes to end unsheltered homelessness, it cannot afford to lose the Day Center. It is a lifeline for those in need, and its closure would have far-reaching consequences for the entire community.