St. Vincent de Paul | Louisville

What is St. Vincent de Paul?

It is a worldwide, Catholic lay charitable organization serving the poor and homeless.

When was St. Vincent de Paul founded?

As a 20-year-old college student, Frederic Ozanam started the organization 178 years ago in Paris, France. St. Vincent de Paul has been in Louisville for the past 159 years, making it one of the oldest charitable groups in the area.

Is St. Vincent de Paul a homeless shelter or a thrift store?

It's both -- and much more! We have several homeless shelters/housing programs on our campus in the Smoketown/Shelby Park community in downtown Louisville. We also offer a comprehensive range of programs and services, including crisis intervention and case management for men, women and children. Our Open Hand Kitchen serves two free meals a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need. St. Jude Women's Recovery Center helps homeless women struggling with addiction. And, yes, we operate three thrift stores in Louisville and one in Clarksville, Ind.

Do I have to be Catholic to volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul?

No. Although many of our dedicated volunteers come from Catholic parishes and schools, we welcome all volunteers who are interested in helping us serve the poor with compassion.

How is St. Vincent de Paul funded?

We rely on individual gifts and corporate donations, and we receive some government grants for our housing and case-management programs. For example, many of our programs are funded, in part, by the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government via Community Development Block Grants and other grant programs. We receive food assistance through Dare to Care and Kentucky Harvest. We are not part of Metro United Way.

Do you partner with other social service agencies?

Yes. For example, we collaborate with Phoenix Health Center and the St. John Center to provide overnight shelter and services to homeless veterans. We are also active with the Louisville Coalition for the Homeless.

How many people are homeless in Louisville?

About 11,000 people -- 20 percent of whom are children

How is the face of homelessness changing?

Homelessness among children and families increased 58 percent last year. Increasingly, the working poor are becoming homeless. Among people who received homeless services in Louisville last year, 19 percent were working full-time jobs.

How can I get involved?

Serving meals in our community kitchen, donating clothes and household furnishings to our thrift stores, tutoring children after school, or planning arts and crafts activities for the moms and kids living in our shelters -- these are just a few ways you can make a difference.

Where you are located?

We're in downtown Louisville, just a few blocks south of East Broadway, between Kentucky and St. Catherine streets, and Preston and Jackson streets. Our administration building address is 1015-C S. Preston St., but for most people visiting St. Vincent de Paul, the common entry point is the Open Hand Kitchen, 1026 S. Jackson St. (Look for the redbrick church building with the steeple cross and stained-glass windows.)

So, your services are limited to the inner-city?

No. In addition to our campus in the Smoketown/Shelby Park neighborhood, we have 47 parish-based conferences that extend from Southern Indiana throughout Central Kentucky. Each day, trained lay volunteers respond to requests from people in need. These caring volunteers provide financial assistance with rent, utilities and food expenses, as well as emotional support and encouragement. We help people in crisis get back on their feet and, in many cases, prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

How do I request a speaker from St. Vincent de Paul to address my group or classroom?

Contact Nancy Naughton, Associate Executive Director.

How can I stay connected with St. Vincent de Paul?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/svdplou

Twitter: @svdplou

If you're a member of the press and need more information about St. Vincent de Paul:

Contact Linda Romine