What We Do | Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Home Visit: The Heart of the Society's Service

Many of our Society’s services are recognizable from the Catholic Corporal Works of Mercy. We feed and clothe, shelter and transport, and heal and help.

What we do

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis, a Catholic volunteer organization, leads individuals to join together to offer person-to-person service to the poor and the suffering of all faiths. In doing this work, we enrich our lives spiritually. In the words of our founder, Bl. Frédéric Ozanam, the vision of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is “to embrace the world in a network of charity.” The goal is to help individuals lift themselves out of poverty through systemic change.

How We Do It

We believe that helping neighbors starts at home. At the heart of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis service is the home visit. Neighborhood-based volunteers, called Vincentians, make home visits to offer hope and help; the home visit also gives a better assessment of the family’s circumstances and needs. Working in groups of two, Vincentians make thousands of these in-home, person-to-person visits each year. The Society also partners with other agencies, nonprofits and people of good will to provide other services and offer a total package of support.

Get Involved

The Society funds direct assistance through a combination of donations, grants, and funds raised by our parish-based conferences (chapters) and our thrift store revenues. If you are interested in the transformative power of helping others, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Archdiocesan Council of St. Louis is for you. Find the group nearest you with our conference finder. Donate. Shop. Volunteer. Become a Corporate Partner. To learn more, contact us today.

Feed & Clothe

For I was naked and you clothed me... – Matthew 25:35.

Feed & Clothe

Shelter & Transport

A violent clash of opulence and poverty is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to throw ourselves between these two camps in order to accomplish by love what justice alone cannot do. – Bl. Frédéric Ozanam

Transportation

Heal & Help

If a needy person requires medicine or other help during prayer time, do whatever has to be done with peace of mind. Offer the deed to God as your prayer. – St. Vincent de Paul

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Louis, Missouri