Father Joe’s Villages is hosting a Christmas meal Monday, offering more than 1,000 holiday meals and care packages for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity before the holiday. The Christmas meal welcomes guests to a traditional, sit-down meal featuring holiday classics like honey baked ham, sweet potato casserole and dessert. Along with the meal, festive decorations and live music, guests will receive a care package with hygiene products and other items. “Our annual Christmas meal is a space to celebrate community, embrace hope and remind people that they are not alone during the holidays,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “Everyone at Father Joe’s Villages, including our volunteers, donors and foundations, are committed to ensuring each and every person we serve has the opportunity to experience the joy and happiness of the season.” Vargas will lead a prayer service at the event’s opening. “The holidays can be a difficult time for homeless individuals who can have elevated feelings of loneliness, depression and lack of support,” a statement from the nonprofit read. “Along with showing up as a  community, Father Joe’s Villages and its partners continue to provide support and hope to people experiencing homelessness this time of year. “Lack of food and shelter are associated with significantly greater odds of hospitalization, higher usage rates of emergency services and both short- and long-term chronic health problems. All of these factors can make it more difficult for people to access the steps they need to overcome homelessness. Receiving nutritious meals is one way for those folks to also connect with additional services they need to transition away from homelessness.” According to the nonprofit, Father Joe’s Villages provides housing to more than 2,500 people each night and gives out more than a million meals each year. The meal runs from 11 a.m. to noon at the Franklin Antonio Public Lunch Program, 1501 Imperial Ave. Over the weekend, another local organization, San Diego Rescue Mission, held their annual Christmas Community Meal. ...read more read less