Monsignor Joseph Anthony "Joe" Carroll (December 21, 1941 – July 12, 2021) was an American Catholic priest and prominent advocate for the homeless in San Diego, California. He was widely known as the founder and long-time president of Father Joe's Villages, one of the largest comprehensive homeless services providers in the United States.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Carroll was ordained a priest in 1967. He moved to San Diego in 1980 and took over the St. Vincent de Paul Center, a modest soup kitchen and shelter. Under his leadership, the organization underwent a remarkable transformation, expanding its services to include medical and dental care, housing, job training, mental health services, and education. Renamed Father Joe's Villages, it grew into a sprawling campus that provides a wide range of support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Monsignor Carroll was a visionary leader who believed in treating the homeless with dignity and providing holistic care to help them rebuild their lives. He was instrumental in raising millions of dollars for the organization, often through highly visible fundraising campaigns and events. His distinctive presence and passionate advocacy made him a beloved figure in the San Diego community and a national voice for addressing homelessness with compassion and comprehensive solutions.
He retired from his full-time leadership role at Father Joe's Villages in 2011 but continued to serve on its board and remained actively involved until his death in 2021. His legacy is the extensive network of services provided by Father Joe's Villages, which continues to serve thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Diego County annually.