The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, founded in 1833, is one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world.
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland started its first conference in 1865 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. The local human services and welfare organization annually has a positive impact on the lives of more than 212,000 people in the eight counties comprising the diocese: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne.
Thanks to its core of more than 2,500 members and volunteers – called Vincentians -- at participating parishes – called conferences -- and at its hunger centers, each year SVDP helps Northeast Ohio’s poor in the following ways:
- Providing free food, clothing, furniture and other necessities at its multiple hunger centers and parish-based food pantries.
- Preventing eviction and homelessness with rent and mortgage assistance.
- Providing emergency help to prevent water, heat and electric shut-offs.
- Distributing more than $40,000 worth of school supplies annually to low-income children.
- Donating hundreds of warm winter blankets and outerwear to homeless individuals and families.
This emergency help translates into nearly $9 million in direct assistance and in-kind services annually to people in Northeast Ohio.
During this time of pandemic, the assistance is crucial for many.
In order to continue serving the needy more safely during the ongoing health crisis, SVDP revamped its Community Corner hunger center, 8302 Detroit Ave., in Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.
SVDP officials said the new design allows them to comply with CDC social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to staff, volunteers and those they serve.
The changes include Plexiglas and movable shelves that can be brought forward to the serving counter. This allows the center to remain a choice pantry that provides clients with the dignity of selecting their items or shopping. A choice pantry also enables reduces food waste because people take home items they are more likely to consume, SVDP officials said. Watch a short video showing changes at Community Corner:
Those interested in giving of their time, talent or treasure are invited to explore the SVDP website and to connect with the organization.
For more information, call 216-696-6525, Ext. 3150 or e-mail info@svdpcle.org.