St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati

Although part of an international organization, St. Vincent de Paul - Cincinnati is very much a grassroots charity: we create programs and fund a network that targets and directly administers to the specific needs of local residents; simultaneously, we draw on the experiences and the occasional help of Councils throughout the country.

Mission: A network of neighbors, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

Vision: To bring faith alive through service to others, one neighbor at a time.

History: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic organization of laypersons founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam and colleagues. Placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul, the Society continues to derive inspiration from his thinking and work. The Society originated in Paris where Frederic and five other university students were spurred by the challenges of their own classmates. They walked the streets of Paris, engaging in person-to-person ministry to the poor, confident that Christ would be revealed through their loving acts. The tiny group eventually grew into today’s international organization with members in 150 countries, all helping others through neighborhood ministry.

Food and Nutrition: The Edyth and Carl Lindner Choice Food Pantry, at the Liz Carter Outreach Center in the West End, provides groceries to more than 800 families monthly. The Food Pantry looks like a grocery store, but there is no check-out counter. Here families can shop for the food and personal care items they need for free. Families are greeted by volunteers who treat them with the respect they deserve and neighbors leave with the items needed to prepare and serve meals in their own homes.

Pharmacy and Wellness: A last resort safety net for those who have no other access to vital medication, the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy is the only one in southwest Ohio dedicated to providing free medication.

Homelessness Prevention: Through home visits and our Liz Carter Outreach Center, we provide rent and utility expense assistance to prevent homelessness and work towards long-term solutions.

Clothing and Household: We provide clothing, furniture, and household items to struggling families via our seven thrift stores.

Beds: St. Vincent de Paul provides a mattress, box spring and bed rail set to neighbors who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor through the Bob and Sylvia Rahe Mattress Fund.