Making a difference
“Thank you for all you have done to save us from becoming homeless. We were desperate for God’s love to show up and it did. You and your organization are such a blessing!”
The thank-you note above was received from a parishioner couple with two children who were in distress after the holidays because they could not pay their rent and utility bills. Each month, the father and mother struggled to pay usual day to day living expenses on their service industry salaries.
After the holidays, the father’s hours were cut. And, shortly thereafter, their child was hospitalized for 1 week. The mother lost her job. Their bills piled up! They were being evicted and the electricity was cut off.
Two members from St Vincent de Paul met with the family in person, talked about how how St Vincent de Paul might best help with their crisis, and then brought their case to the St Vincent de Paul members meeting where the conference agreed to supply funds to pay their bills contingent on the family paying remaining balance. Area sister SVDP conferences also provided assistance since the bills were beyond a single conferences’ means.
The thank-you note above was received from a parishioner couple with two children who were in distress after the holidays because they could not pay their rent and utility bills. Each month, the father and mother struggled to pay usual day to day living expenses on their service industry salaries.
After the holidays, the father’s hours were cut. And, shortly thereafter, their child was hospitalized for 1 week. The mother lost her job. Their bills piled up! They were being evicted and the electricity was cut off.
Two members from St Vincent de Paul met with the family in person, talked about how how St Vincent de Paul might best help with their crisis, and then brought their case to the St Vincent de Paul members meeting where the conference agreed to supply funds to pay their bills contingent on the family paying remaining balance. Area sister SVDP conferences also provided assistance since the bills were beyond a single conferences’ means.
A life changing-crisis can happen to anyone, at any time. Over and over again, St Francis of Assisi parishioners hear the cry of the poor and respond in kind. They humbly, quietly, and faithfully doante to SVDP via envelopes and special collections for people they don’t know and will probably never meet.
Thank you for helping us show Christ’s love to others as He commanded.
In December, the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP):
Ministered to 101 Adults and Children. The majority, single parent households who experienced significant unexpected setbacks such as a spouse who suddenly leaves the family, illness/accident, job loss, or working hours reduced. Their savings exhausted, and they have no family who can help.
Provided $6,713 to prevent cut-off of utilities, $10, 815 for partial rent payments, and other items such as needed medicine
Devoted 672 hours to SVDP ministry work.
Yet, we need more volunteers to meet an extraordinary need.
Will you join us to help those in need right in your own neighborhood?
To learn about becoming a volunteer advocate, please come a SVDP meeting on Monday Evenings at 7 PM in Rooms C & D of the Parish Hall.
Experiencing a financial crisis? Contact the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Confidential Assistance Hotline at 214-619-4096 for potential help.
