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St. Vincent de Paul serves the poor as it changes model in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

Nonprofit has a mission to feed, clothe, house, heal individuals and families in need

Posted 4/1/20

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul --- which has a mission to feed, clothe, house and heal individuals and families in need --- has had to respond with extraordinary agility to the COVID-19 outbreak …

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St. Vincent de Paul serves the poor as it changes model in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

Nonprofit has a mission to feed, clothe, house, heal individuals and families in need

Posted

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul --- which has a mission to feed, clothe, house and heal individuals and families in need --- has had to respond with extraordinary agility to the COVID-19 outbreak that is occurring across the nation.

Without missing a beat, the organization has adapted its services to federal and state guidelines, never closing the doors to those who rely on its critical services, according to a release.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul took a service model that relies heavily on volunteer support and transitioned it to one that practices responsible social distancing and health safety. A feat that was accomplished while continuing to provide for the most vulnerable in the community, the release states.

“We want to stress that St. Vincent de Paul is open. Our services may look a little different, but they have not stopped, because they cannot stop. As long as people need us, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is here,” Shannon Clancy, SVdP associate executive director, said in the release. “While we continue to ask volunteers to remain home for their safety and the health of the community, we ask that they continue to support us in other ways as we continue to serve those in need.”

Monetary donations are crucial in allowing St. Vincent de Paul to respond nimbly to the immediate needs that arise during times of crisis. Financial support enables the organization to purchase or replenish exactly what is needed when it is needed, the release states.

An additional tool available to those who want to help is SVdP’s Amazon wish list, at amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3M7ORPLH30YFJ

Not only is this virtual resource convenient for people who would like to contribute from the safety of their home, but it allows people to see what the high-priority items are. After a purchase is complete, Amazon sends the items directly to SVdP, so donors don’t have to drop them off or send the supplies themselves, the release states.

SVdP continues to provide packaged to-go meals and deliver thousands of food boxes to families in need. People can donate nonperishable, healthy food items by dropping them off at 2120 S. Third Drive in Phoenix.

“We know people who would otherwise be steadily making their payments will suddenly find themselves making tough choices between buying groceries or paying rent,” Ms. Clancy said. “What many people don’t know is how one missed bill could bring people closer to homelessness. That’s why it’s crucial we help prevent additional homelessness in our community, as these tough times will continually increase the need for assistance.”

To learn more or to help SVdP provide relief, go to  www.stvincentdepaul.net/COVID19Relief. Every dollar donated will go toward food, shelter and hygiene items necessary for the health and survival of the people who depend on SVdP.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and providing others with the opportunity to serve.

The Phoenix Diocesan Council has been assisting central and northern Arizona families since 1946. Programs include services for the homeless, medical and dental care for the working poor, charity dining rooms, thrift stores, a transitional housing shelter and general assistance for individuals in need.