A Network of Support

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

More than 750 members at 36 parish-based Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Baltimore Conferences provide a network of charity for people suffering from the effects of poverty, serving in a spirit of charity, humility, and friendship. The Society leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering.

In the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul, this approach to volunteer service harkens back to the very beginning days of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1833, founder Frederick Ozanam was a pioneer in leading others in service to the materially poor in Paris, France, visiting families in their homes and offering food, coal for heat, and other support. What distinguished that service was the high level of respect and dignity extended to those being served.

Our founding activity, still practiced today, is the Home Visit. Through these visits, Vincentian members establish personal relationships with our neighbors in need, not only providing material assistance such as rent, utilities, food, or clothing, but also offering friendship, understanding, and prayer. The Conferences also offer referrals to human service agencies including strategies and support to overcome poverty.

Through the tireless efforts of our volunteer Vincentian members; parish conferences provided $1,623,667 in financial assistance, $316,708 in food assistance, and other support to more than 34,062 persons throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.