About Us

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County is a Catholic lay organization with a long history of service to neighbors in need. We offer real support such as food, clothing and household necessities as well as emotional and spiritual support through one-on-one interactions with those who are suffering.

In fiscal year 2008, St. Vincent’s members made 14,087 home visits. During these visits the members provided people with emergency food, clothing and financial assistance. More importantly, they brought friendship and compassion. Vincentians serve families throughout St. Joseph County, though more than 60% of our clients live on the west side of South Bend.

Our Thrift Store provided the means for giving away $102,167 worth of free clothing, furniture, beds and other household items to needy families. An additional $22,874 worth of rent & utility assistance was given to adults and children through our collaboration with Stone Soup Community.

We collaborate with area service organizations in relieving need and addressing its causes, serving neighbors of every race and creed.

We are here because St. Vincent de Paul heard Christ's call to help the poor and was so moved that he devoted the rest of his life to restoring hope to the "least of these." St Vincent died in 1622, in Paris, after having founded several congregations to carry on his work.

We are here because Frederic Ozanam, a student in Paris, founded the St. Vincent de Paul Society in 1833. He was only twenty years old, but the society he started spread around the world in only a few years. Today it is the largest volunteer organization in the world and is active in 132 countries.

We are here because thirty members of St. Patrick's Parish founded South Bend's first St. Vincent de Paul Conference in October 1904.

Mission Statement

Inspired by Gospel values, the St. Vincent de Paul Society brings people together in prayer and in person-to-person service to those who are in need and suffering - providing food, clothing and financial assistance to families in our community. Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice, and collaborate with others who share this vision.