Editor’s Note: The author of this article, John Raque, is the President of the St. Raphael Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
St. Raphael conference made a home visit on December 20th to check on a “neighbor” who was in need of rental assistance in the Dupont Circle area. We visited Jane and discovered she had moved from California, with no family in Louisville, no transportation, unemployed, little financial backing and dealing with health issues. What she did have was a strong desire to improve her situation and shared with us that she had already started the process of seeking permanent housing and employment. We were there to assist and help in the transition. With faith, we journeyed together over the next 25 days.
Jane contacted St. Vincent de Paul Louisville’s Roberts Hall (24 room, long term program that serves single women 21 years or older) and began the process of applying for residency. She received a move in date of January 15 pending an opening & approval.
Jane was seeking employment as a security guard (her previous background) and was hopeful that being able to move into Roberts Hall and closer to downtown would offer more job opportunities. She did have some interviews already lined up.
Our role at St. Raphael was to offer financial assistance & work with the landlord to allow us to assist on a weekly basis. We provided Kroger food cards during her stay and drove her to get medication and food. As always, we received great support from multiple conferences to help offset the financial assistance. A true team effort!
On Jan 15, I was thrilled to drive Jane to Roberts Hall as she moved in and am pleased to announce she is employed. We never know what a home visit will bring, but through the Grace of God and the Holy Spirit, we are called to help our neighbor in Need. We are Blessed!
We have sheltered, fed, and nurtured those in need since 1853, and we remain committed to our mission now more than ever.
St. Vincent de Paul Louisville is a 501(C)(3) Nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 61-0727110
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