Diocesan Council for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul Diocese Phoenix

SVdP operates 5 Valley-wide dining rooms, serving about 4,600 meals daily, alongside dozens of partner agencies to deliver breakfast, lunch and/or evening meals to those in need. Meals may also include fresh fruit and produce from the SVdP Urban Farms. Food-insecure people are welcomed without question or barriers, and receive a healthy, nutritious meal and a significant moment of respite in a safe, clean environment. In addition to a hot meal, nearly all dining rooms offer additional wrap-around services such as resources, guidance, mentorship and basic human dignity to lift themselves out of their current situation.

“Oz” is a transitional housing program that provides a safe community for homeless men and women who are age 50 and older, have a disability, or are a veteran. We provide case management, 3 meals a day, and activities to build skills and keep people engaged as they seek to end their homelessness. Residents live in a safe, supportive environment with semi-private sleeping accommodations and 24-hour staff support. Case managers help residents obtain medical and behavioral health care, a stable income and affordable subsidized or market housing. Residents are encouraged to contribute to the community by sharing their skills and time by volunteering on the SVdP campus.

The Resource Center is a one-stop shopping experience that provides essential wrap-around services for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and for those who are at imminent risk of homelessness. Basic services such as showers, food and clothing are offered to provide dignity, care and respite. Sustaining services such food stamps, AHCCCS and cash assistance approvals, employment, housing navigation, behavioral health, legal aide, health screenings and education are offered to help stabilize the individual or family. Prevention services such as eviction prevention, utility assistance and travel for those stranded are offered to keep people independent, in their own homes or with loved ones.

The Urban Farms Program began as a way to grow nutritious foods and to educate vulnerable populations on growing their own food to combat food insecurity. Since then, the program has grown to encompass all 3 tenets of sustainability: Environmental, Economic and Social. Today we have 3 farms and harvest about 30,000 pounds of nutrient-rich, pesticide-free produce to add to our dining room meals that serve our homeless and working poor guests.

SVdP and its regional chapters run more a dozen Thrift Stores, which serve a dual purpose of providing funds for the operations of SVdP, while also making available affordable, quality retail goods for those in need. Our thrift stores provide a variety of home goods ranging from beds and furniture to pictures and nick knacks.

SVdP’s Food Box program is a cornerstone of our services to a food-insecure community. We have provided this critical source of uninterrupted support for the working poor and under-served in our community since 1946. Food insecurity in Arizona continues to be high. About 13% of Arizonans, or about 937,300 people, struggle with hunger, 20% of whom are children. SVdP’s Food Box program relies on the support of 81 volunteer-run neighborhood food pantries throughout central and norther Arizona. They selflessly give their time and skills to expand our reach and provide their neighbors in need with home visits, food boxes and other wrap-around services such as homelessness prevention in the form of rent/utility financial assistance. Last year, our neighborhood chapters delivered 143,400 food boxes to families in need, each of which supplies many days’ worth of food.

SVdP developed its Center for Family Wellness in 2000 to focus on the prevention and management of chronic diseases through nutrition, physical activity and overall wellness. Its culturally grounded bilingual education programs encourage the whole family to participate in improving nutrition and exercise by using practical concepts that focus on self-care.

SVDP offers educational assistance for children at the Dream Center during the Family Evening Meal in South Phoenix Monday-Friday. The program serves between 60-80 children nightly and includes one-on-one help with homework, literacy tutoring, reading skills, games, classes, workshops and field trips. The Dream Center also hosts back-to-school drives for backpacks and school supplies. Additionally, the activities and programs of the Dream Center are designed to foster an understanding and exploration of STEM subjects by exploring emerging tools and technologies.