The Good Neighbor Center was established in 1968 at Chollas View United Methodist Church in South East San Diego.  The Metro United Methodist Urban Ministry's Board of Directors wanted to establish a center in the area where they could serve many people with the greatest amount of need. It was called the 'Good Neighbor' Center because it was recognized as 'good' place to go in the 'neighborhood'. It was a drop-in site for adults and families offering activities and small classes, as well as emergency food and clothing assistance.  For 12 years, the center was under the direction of Betty Macintosh, a volunteer director.

In 1987, the Reverend, Dr. Russ Locke, pastor of Nestor United Methodist Church, contact Rev. James Mishler, former director of METRO, and Expresses a need for a second Good Neighbor Center to serve the South Bay Communities. So, the Nestor Good Neighbor Center opened its doors in November 1998 to serve the South Bay community with Gary D. Podschun as its first director.

The centers formed a partnership with the San Diego United Methodist Churches and began receiving donations and assistance.  Today, they continue to seek support and assistance to serve the many people that walk through their doors.