Run almost entirely by volunteers, the St Vincent de Paul Society is a worldwide organisation of lay Catholics who want to express their faith through service to the poor.
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic charity network that has been operating in South Africa since 1856. It is a registered non-profit and public benefit organisation (NPO 003/193).
Every day, over 2 000 members and volunteers reach out to vulnerable and marginalized people in their local communities. We aim to provide a hand up, not just a hand out.
At the core of our work are over 187 parish committees known as ‘conferences’. These are groups of members from all walks of life who join together to relieve suffering and promote human dignity amongst the poor.
Autonomy of the Society of St Vincent de Paul
In response to queries received from members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Clergy of the Roman Catholic Church in South Africa in respect of the relationship between the Society, the Church, Caritas and other Catholic Sodalities, SSVP South Africa has issued this Statement of the Autonomy of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
Our Mission
The Mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society in South Africa is to deepen the faith of our members – to go out into our nation to heighten the awareness of Jesus Christ.
We do this by sharing ourselves (who we are and what we have) with the poor on a person-to-person basis. We seek to co-operate in shaping a more just and compassionate South African community,
Our preferred option in this mission of service is to work with the poor in development, by respecting their dignity, sharing our hope, and encouraging them to take control of their destiny.
How we help
We visit people in their homes, meeting them face-to-face and getting to know them personally. Because of this, we see their circumstances and gain an understanding of their problems and how we can best help them. Our approach is neighbour to neighbour, with no attitude of superiority or judgement.
Material Help
Food, clothing, shelter
Although we strive for lasting solutions, our priority is to ensure that people have access to the basic necessities. We are unable to provide shelter or housing – but our members can advise about shelters in different regions.
Social Support
Isolation, violence, loneliness
Loneliness and isolation, especially where there is domestic abuse, are social issues that impact on quality of life.
Health
Mental health, substance abuse
When life seems hopeless, anxiety, depression, suicide or seeking escape through alcohol and drugs can seem like the only way out.
Advice
Migration, missing persons, refugees
Marginalised people may need help with documentation in order to access social grants, legal aid, medical help, etc.
Everyone can do something to help
Apart from financial contributions, we also appreciate offers of ‘twinning’ or partnerships with conferences, businesses and individuals in more affluent parishes or countries, who reach out with material or financial assistance or technical experience in a specific field.