Mission Statement
A Catholic social ministry, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Diocesan Council of Austin is a grassroots, volunteer-based, direct-aid organization that helps people in need get back on their feet. We provide short-term financial, material, and emotional support and work person-to-person through advocacy, education and referral efforts to break cycles of poverty, empower people, and promote self-sufficiency.
What's New
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has served Central Texans in need with financial assistance, food, clothing, and other basic needs since 1961. Our volunteers reach 400 people every day, 365 days a year across 25 counties. 2018 was a landmark year for the Society. Last year, the Society provided more than $5 million in direct assistance to over 50,000 people through home visits, office visits, food pantries, and thrift stores. The Society continues to evolve to meet the needs of the community, finding creative ways to serve and empower families with short-term financial assistance and long-term systemic change initiatives. The Society remains committed to both those in need in Central Texas and its volunteer base, providing leadership training and poverty awareness education to effect systemic change.
In May 2016, the Society opened the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store, a collaborative resource center providing a wide array of services to Central Texans in need. This north Austin facility houses the Society's executive office, retail thrift store, client services, client-choice food pantry, prayer room, open access computer lab, and offices for nonprofit partners offering complementary services. In 2018, the Vincentian Family Center provided assistance to 6,536 households, more than TRIPLE the number of families served the previous year!
Four years into our Predatory Loan Conversion program, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has converted more 162 loans, helping 103 individuals and families escape the staggering debt of payday loans. Rather than face a staggering 321% APR, clients now pay a very low 2.25% interest rate to the credit union. All PLCP participants receive ongoing mentoring and financial literacy education, ensuring that they will be successful in repaying their loans and attaining financial stability.
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