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How does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor?

How does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor?

Have you ever wondered: how does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor? Have you been financially impacted by the pandemic?  Could you use help putting food on the table or finding a job?  They may be able to help you! 

What is St. Vincent de Paul?

St. Vincent de Paul is an international non-profit Catholic organization founded in 1833. They are committed to providing low income relief through work programs, food pantries, disaster services, rent assistance, medical help, school supplies, and more.  St. Vincent de Paul serves over five million people every year!  There are over 100,000 volunteers throughout the United States; a chapter may be near you!

How can St. Vincent de Paul help me?

We’ll cover several programs that St. Vincent de Paul has to help those with limited income – some may surprise you!  Back2Work, food pantries, thrift stores, home visits, incarcerated reentry programs, and disaster relief are all part of their global mission!

Available programs vary by location – we’ll show you how to find what’s near you!

Back2Work

St. Vincent de Paul’s employment programs may include mentorship, training, education, and networking!  They may incorporate supportive services like transportation, groceries, and rent assistance to help ensure long-term stability.  St. Vincent de Paul’s goal is to get people back to work!

Food Pantries

St. Vincent de Paul has many local food pantries to help families put food on the table.  These can range from weekly packages, to market style shopping.  They may provide both fresh and non-perishable groceries and may be able to deliver to those who are homebound.  This can be incredibly helpful for those who are quarantined or caring for others!

Thrift Stores

St. Vincent de Paul provides both reasonably priced goods and employment opportunities in their thrift stores.  Some St. Vincent de Paul affiliates an offer clothing and furniture vouchers to help people get free items from the thrift store.

Any donations to the thrift stores are tax-deductible.  They also reinvest the profits back into communities – you can feel good about where your shopping dollars are going! 

How does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor?  Home visits

Home Visits

St. Vincent de Paul may be best known for their home visit program.  This is an all-inclusive partnership to help community members with emergent needs.  Financial resources may be provided to help with rent, food, and other urgent needs.  A home visit is also a great time to connect about any employment assistance needed. 

St. Vincent de Paul IMMERSION™ program

While I was researching how does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor, I was surprised to learn of their re-entry IMMERSION™ program. It is specifically for incarcerated persons returning to the community.  The goal is to provide resources and skills to help them be successful and avoid return to incarceration.  This program includes mentoring, employment help, education, securing of safe housing, and more!

Disaster services

St. Vincent de Paul provides help in disasters!  They often team with FEMA, the Red Cross, local chapters of the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and other agencies to ensure emergency needs are met in regions hit by natural or man-made disasters.  Their innovative “House in a Box” gives household furnishings and necessities all in one package to families who are starting over.

Has COVID-19 changed how St. Vincent de Paul helps the poor?

Since the pandemic, St. Vincent de Paul has also relied on socially distanced home visits, phone calls and Zoom meetings to stay connected.  The organization is also an expert on helping you access additional federal and local assistance that may be available to you due to COVID-19.  These include services like utilities assistance, eviction help, funeral expenses, emergency shelter, food programs, and more.

Do I qualify for help from St. Vincent de Paul?

The organization is committed to helping people from all backgrounds and religions.  You do not need to be a member of the Catholic church or any church to qualify for assistance.  Specific programs may be based on income and individual needs.

How do I find a St. Vincent de Paul program near me?

The national program is organized by eight regions.  This also includes United States territories.  The St. Vincent de Paul resource page has links to each region’s specific services. You can also contact them at 314-576-3993 or [email protected].

Even more ways St. Vincent de Paul helps the poor!

Now that we’ve answered the question of how does St. Vincent de Paul help the poor, here’s more! We’ve covered the Back2Work program, food pantries, thrift stores, home visits, incarcerated persons re-entry program, and disaster services.  Additional programs vary by location, but may include clothing banks, help with transportation and gasoline, assistance with getting medical care, soup kitchens, school supplies, and Christmas gifts!

What if I need more help with housing or food?

We’ve got you covered!  We have information on rent relief, housing resources and free food resources just a click away!

After 27 years in law enforcement and state Veterans Affairs agencies, I found myself working from home and looking for dollar-stretching resources. Government programs can be notoriously difficult to navigate and I'm happy to lend my experiences to make this easier for others!

Noname

Saturday 29th of July 2023

Please help me I’m homeless with no clothes, food is a struggle and hygiene products. Me and mom both live in shelter we don’t have anything. Im a freshmen in college and have nothing to wear. If clothes or shoes available I would appreciate it and if I can get job or internship.

Catherine Marucci

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Hi. If the resources above are not helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see what is available in your area.

Dedra johnson

Thursday 9th of March 2023

Plz my electric bill is on disconnection, also my daughter is turning 8 any help would be a blessing

Catherine Marucci

Thursday 9th of March 2023

Hi Dedra. Here's some info on getting help with your electric bill. I hope it helps! https://lowincomerelief.com/power/

Shawnie

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Hello... I am in need of help for my bros and sisters who has been affected by the recent storm and flooding in the Philippines.

Catherine Marucci

Wednesday 5th of October 2022

Hi Shawnie. Unfortunately, we don't have information on assistance available in the Philippines.

Julie

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Hello....my name is julie.....I'm in dier need of housing for a 86 yr old and 48 yrs disabled and a 15 yr old...if u can help or direct me to get help for them ..,I would appreciate it..thank u and be blessed..

Catherine Marucci

Thursday 28th of July 2022

Hi Julie. This article may be helpful >> https://lowincomerelief.com/housing-assistance/

Agatha C Onu

Friday 22nd of July 2022

How does St Vincent de Paul help, my name is Agatha Chikamnele One, please am in need of hyperthyroidism drugs, u can't afford it anymore

Catherine Marucci

Saturday 23rd of July 2022

Hi Agatha. You can try reaching out to them to ask, or you can dial 211 to see if there are other resources available in your area. This article may also help: https://lowincomerelief.com/state-pharmaceutical-assistance-program-list/