What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? (SVDP)

The Society’s mission is to help members “grow spiritually by offering person to person service to the needy and suffering”. It was started in France in 1833. It is based in the participation of lay Catholics that want to aid the poor. Our St. Matthew Conference visits neighbors that have requested help in Northgate and Lake City. We always go in teams of 2. We are the helping hands of our generous parishioners who monetarily support our mission. Click here for more information.

What help do you give?

We provide small monetary grants to help people in need. We also give food and vouchers for the SVDP stores for folks to get needed clothing, household supplies and furniture. Parishioners and school families donate to our food pantry dry goods (including hygiene and cleaning supplies and diapers) which we bring on most of our visits. When funds are available we give beds through the SVDP area Council. Please click here to see a list of donation needs.

What if I wanted to join?

You are welcome to come to one of our Tuesday meetings (7 to 8 pm in the portable classroom west of the school) to meet us with no obligation. We visit clients on Saturday mornings. You can participate as much as you want. Just fit it into your own schedule. Training through the Council is available. If you do not want to make home visits there are needed administrative duties that you can do. If you are interested in joining, just come by a Tuesday meeting to see how we function or click here for our volunteer form.

How can I support you?

Monetary gifts are always appreciated. You can utilize the designated envelopes in the pews to give at Sunday Mass or direct donations to the parish in our name. We also need non-perishable food and supplies which are collected at each Sunday Mass. We sometimes have special requests in the bulletin for items that we specifically need. We have major fund raisers for both food and funds at the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and our “Christmas in July” event.

On a larger scale you can support the overall mission by supporting the local SVDP stores which are run by the Council. They are always in need of donations of usable clothing, household items and furniture. Shopping at SVdP Stores directly supplies funds for our neighbors’ support. The stores closest to us are at 13555 Aurora Ave N, and 7304 NE Bothell Way in Kenmore. For more information see the Council website at svdpseattle.org.

What if I need some help?

All requests for assistance are routed through the Council Call Center at 206-767-6449. Do not contact the parish directly.

Guidance from one of the Society’s founders: “But be kind and love, for love is your first gift to the poor. They will appreciate your kindness and your love more than all else you bring them”.

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Matthew Conference