Imagine facing eviction, hunger, or a power shut-off notice, feeling utterly alone. For many of our neighbors in need, this is daily life. Vincentians are there when simple but critical needs arise. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Sacred Heart are part of a worldwide network of volunteers who provide critical help for those struggling right here in our community. Whether it’s emergency financial assistance, help with utilities or rent, or simply offering a listening ear, we believe no neighbor should go without hope. From Power Cutoff to Compassionate Care A family with small children was struggling to keep up with bills when their electricity was cut off during the Florida summer. Without power, the home quickly became uncomfortable and unsafe for the children. Desperate, they called our help line. That same day, our Vincentian team arrived, assessed the situation, prayed with the family, and paid TECO to have the power restored so the family could stay safe and cool. From Floodwaters to a Fresh Start Parents of two small children were flooded out by recent hurricanes and placed in a hotel near our church, but when their voucher ran out, FEMA secured long-term housing 15 miles away. Their car had been wrecked, leaving them no way to move themselves or their belongings. Unsure where to turn, they reached out to our help line. Our Vincentian team arrived with two SUVs, and transported them and their belongings to their new home so they could begin again. From Eviction Notice to New Beginnings A young family moved to Tampa for a better life, but when the father lost his job, they fell behind on rent and faced eviction with two small children. He eventually found work and secured affordable housing, but didn’t have enough for the security deposit. Within days, our Vincentian team met them, prayed with them, and worked with the landlord so the family could start fresh. As a volunteer, you’ll work in a team of 2 or 3, answering calls, talking with people in need, and visiting them in their homes to listen and pray with them. You’ll help assess their situations, look over budgets, and handle the paperwork to pay bills directly to TECO, landlords, or other agencies so families can stay safe and secure. Thanks to the blessed generosity of Sacred Heart Church parishioners last year, St. Vincent DePaul at Sacred Heart Church provided over $63,000 of assistance to the needy in our parish community. Your donations serve others in our community every week: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store of Tampa is not run by Sacred Heart Church but works in partnership with our local St. Vincent de Paul district. Our parish contributes volunteers. We invite you to shop at the store located at 12310 N. Nebraska Avenue, between Fowler and Fletcher. Learn more here. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul traces its roots to 1833 in Paris, when a young law student, Frédéric Ozanam, and a group of friends began helping the poor inspired by the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century French priest renowned for his compassion and service to the needy. From these humble beginnings, the society grew into a worldwide lay Catholic organization dedicated to offering direct help to those in need, with members—called Vincentians—serving communities through person-to-person assistance, home visits, and systemic change efforts. Today, the society operates in over 150 countries, continuing its nearly two-century tradition of charity and hope. Learn more here.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me… | Matthew 25:35-36
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History of St. Vincent de Paul Society
