the basics

why we're here

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international, non-profit organization consisting of men and women who wish to follow in the footsteps of St. Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam. As a Catholic lay organization serving Arizona since 1946, members known as Vincentians strive to serve in the spirit of the Gospel, which inspires a spirit of charity, humility, and sharing.

Through our 89 Conferences of Charity mobilizing an estimated 6,000 volunteers, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix offers meaningful solutions to our neighbors in need.

Each parish-based Conference receives direct calls for assistance from within its own community. A team of two conference volunteers can then respond with a personal home visit to assess how best to be of service. This unique approach allows our conference volunteers to reach out to those families in need in their area. This in turn lets the families know that there is a community of people in their area who care and wish to help.

Our more individualized approach allows volunteers to more accurately assess a family's requirements and provide practical assistance such as food boxes or utility assistance, or a referral to other agencies that may be of assistance.

our programs

The economy’s slow recovery continues to impact individuals and families throughout northern and central Arizona.  More and more people are turning to St. Vincent de Paul for help. 

To help alleviate hunger, the Food Reclamation Center/Food Bank collects and processes food items donated by area grocery stores and community food drives.  The food is used to fill emergency food boxes delivered by our Conferences of Charity and for preparation of meals in our five charity dining rooms.  In 2010, our volunteers served over 1 million prepared meals to the hungry.

For those living paycheck to paycheck, with little or no safety net, a car breakdown or an unexpected illness can mean financial crisis.  Our Homeless Assistance and Prevention programs offer a variety of services to help retain and/or return to self-sufficiency.

From showers and clean clothes, to job referrals and transportation assistance, we are here to help.

Ozanam Manor is the only shelter in Arizona dedicated to serving a particularly vulnerable population of homeless adults – those over 50 or those with mental or physical disabilities. This 49-bed facility is more than a shelter, it is a safe community where residents encourage and support each other to succeed. More than 60% of residents go on to become self-sufficient.

Our Virginia G. Piper Medical and Dental Clinic provides care to the working poor, uninsured adults and their children. Most of our patients have jobs and they make too much to qualify for state health care programs. Thanks to countless hours by volunteer doctors and dentists from throughout Phoenix our medical clinic provides coverage in 44 specialties and our dental clinic can work in partnership with local school districts to identify children with critical dental needs. Our 17 thrift stores across central and northern Arizona provide new and gently used clothing, furniture and household items at affordable prices. All proceeds go toward funding St. Vincent de Paul's services to the working poor and homeless.

support from the community

Promoting and facilitating volunteerism is at the core of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Vincentians come from a diverse variety of ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups. They come together under local organization and guidance to offer person-to-person service to people in need, to relieve suffering and to embrace all works of charity and social justice.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is abundantly blessed to be a place where caring people of all faiths and backgrounds, individuals and families, small businesses, social and religious groups, and organizations and corporations can be counted upon for funding and donations of time and talent. It is an endless source of inspiration that compassion for the less fortunate of God's children is shared and strongly supported by so many of our fellow citizens.

The current economic crisis has challenged everyone to re-evaluate their lives and decide what is truly important to them. With continued unemployment and rising food costs, St. Vincent de Paul continues to respond to more requests from people and families who have never before had to ask for assistance. For nearly 65 years, we have been a caring friend to those in need, with more than 90 cents of every dollar donated going directly to fund our food programs and other services for the poor.

Today, the Phoenix Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the largest St. Vincent de Paul in the nation thanks to people like you!

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