What We Do

The members of the St. Vincent de Paul of St. Francis of Assisi conference share God’s mercy by personally serving those in need for any acute financial burden that is currently affecting their lives.  The goal is to keep families in their homes with the lights and heat on when they are in an emergency.  Resources for other assistance, services and counseling may also be provided.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP), a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. 

SVdP has a phone line for people in need to call and leave a message.  Two visitors then contact the neighbor and set up a time to visit them in their home to assess their need and gather documentation.  

 

How to Get Involved

You can join our ministry in one of the many roles that contribute to the success of this ministry.  There is something for everyone.  All roles will receive training and you will shadow a lead person until you are ready.

  • Be a Caller Intake Specialist – A person periodically assigned to check phone line and call back Neighbors in need to get initial information.
  • Be a Visitor – Teams of two visit Neighbors in need to understand their need and recommend a way forward for them.
  • Be a Leader – We need those to serve as President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
  • Be a digital communications liaison for social media.
  • Pray for our ministry.

You can also help SVdP financially.  St. Francis of Assisi generously provides financial support of SVdP through a portion of the offertory in the Justice and Peace Tithe.  There is always a need for additional financial resources to support neighbors who are facing increased rents and higher utilities.  You can:

  • Donate directly to St. Vincent de Paul, a 501(c)(3) organization. Mail checks to the parish address.
  • Donate online on our SVdP website.
  • Donate your car: http://www.svdpusa.com/Donate-My-Car  Any car regardless of condition will generate funds for our conference.  Make sure to identify St. Francis of Assisi Raleigh Conference when you contact them.
  • For donor advised funds, the EIN for SVdP is: 88-0777192.  The St. Francis of Assisi St. Vincent de Paul Conference is a DBA under Raleigh District Council St. Vincent de Paul.

 

Want more information? | Our website: https://stfrancissvdp.org/ or Cathy Smith; smithtcr@gmail.com

Do you need help? | Our Help Line: 919-534-4842


Frequently Asked Questions about St. Vincent dePaul

 

Q: What locations do we serve?
A: We assist neighbors in zip codes 27613, 27617 and 27703. For neighbors outside these guidelines we will try to provide them with possible resources for help.


Q: Who is eligible to receive assistance?
A: We assist all registered parishioners regardless of their location and any neighbors regardless of their faith within the zip code guidelines.


Q: How many people/families does SVdP serve every year?
A: Before Covid, we assisted on average 65 families per year to stay in their homes or keep the lights and heat on.  During Covid we assisted twice that, 130 families.  Last year we dropped to assist 94 families and it looks about the same for this year.


Q: What do you help neighbors with?
A: We assist mostly with rent and utilities.


Q: What experience do you need to be a Vincentian?
A: Any experience is welcome.  We have members with experience in social work, nursing, real estate, accounting (great for a Treasurer), teaching, project management and others.  All these backgrounds bring valuable experience.  Compassion is the defining quality needed.


Q: Is there training?
A: All roles have training, and you will shadow an experienced person in the role until you are comfortable.  You always have access to help from other volunteers. 


Q: What is the time commitment required for a volunteer?
A: Depending on the role, the time required is from 2 to 15 hours per week.  


Q: I am out of town frequently. Does this preclude me from volunteering?
A: No, we work around your schedule.  There are several backup people for all roles to allow flexibility for all.

 
Q: Where do you receive funding?
A: Our primary source of funding is the Justice and Peace tithe.  We also accept direct donations and have applied for and received a couple grants.


Q: How often do you help a neighbor?
A: We provide help once in a twelve-month period.