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Making a difference: heading towards Christmas

Making a difference: heading towards Christmas 1280 853 SVDP USA

Making a difference: heading towards Christmas

Published in the Catholic Herald December 15, 2024 – Story by Michael Acaldo, CEO of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA

December is a special month for the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Helping those in need is a year-round mission for Vincentians, but there’s a bit more excitement in the air when you’re handing out gifts to grateful, smiling children.

Before becoming the CEO of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVdP) USA this year, I spent thirty-four Decembers leading SVdP in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Each Saturday, we would distribute presents to thousands of children – many wearing worn and tattered clothing that I suspected they had slept in the night before. For some of these kids, this was the only gift they would receive all year, and that reality never failed to leave a lasting impression.

But it wasn’t just the children who received some care. Adults did, as well. Few things are more humbling than standing before a big, worn-down man with his Christmas gift in his hands and tears in his eyes – for that’s when you see the face of Christ staring back at you.

I’ve been reflecting on these memories this Advent. In recent weeks, I’ve gone coast to coast to meet with many of our 90,000 Vincentians in the US. In doing so, I’ve seen firsthand the commitment, sacrifice and love that they show day in and day out.

It has led me to ask some simple, but important, questions. Why do so many people give of their time and treasure to help their neighbors? Why do they enter homes that are often in areas of town most people would avoid? Why do they make the journeys of the poor and outcast part of their own personal journeys?

The answers are found in the stories of Vincentians like Rosie Martina. Rosie is 101 years old and, with the help of his daughter and son, he continues to make food pickups each week. When Rosie’s wife died a few years ago, he asked me to say a few words at the Saturday morning funeral. That very evening, I found him serving a meal to men experiencing homelessness at one of our shelters. I asked him what he was doing there.

“This is where Laura would want me,” he said. “I’m doing her job – and mine.”

In effect, he was meeting Christ in the people he served in that food line, and in turn, Christ was showering him with the grace that abounds to those who follow His command to love our neighbor.

There are Rosie Martinas all across our country – from Phoenix, Arizona, to Dayton, Ohio, to Baltimore, Maryland. They come in all ages and all demographics. They bring different talents and treasures. And they understand that by helping others, they receive more than they can ever give.

This is the heart of the Vincentian difference.

While Vincentians run thrift stores, shelters, and even pharmacies across the country, the true joy and impact of our work comes through our Home Visit encounters, where we meet people where they are – literally – to gain a better understanding of who they are, what they need, and how we can help.

While these Home Visits are rooted in the Gospels, they’re also part of a practical strategy – one aimed at providing people with the often-small amounts of help they need that is the difference between staying housed or not.

Research by the US National Alliance to End Homelessness reveals that it costs an average of $35,578 per year to support a person who is chronically homeless, including costs for emergency shelters, healthcare, and law enforcement. In contrast, preventing homelessness through early intervention costs, on average, $2,000 per household.

Sometimes it’s a simple act that makes a difference. In one Home Visit, a Vincentian I know noticed that a woman’s mobile home needed insulation. The simple act of installing the insulation lowered her electric bill enough to keep her housed.

These are the fruits of accompaniment, and they ripple through the nation every day, affecting countless people – not the least the Vincentians themselves, who are uplifted by the act of uplifting others.

I’m especially blessed this year. I have the honor of being a part of an organization that will celebrate its 180th anniversary in the US in 2025. And earlier this month, I welcomed my first granddaughter into the world. She is already surrounded by the comfort that comes with a close group of family and friends. Yet, when I gaze at her, all bundled up in swaddling clothes, I’m mindful of those who don’t have others to lean on in the way that she will.

It can be discouraging. But then I remember the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, who founded the Society of St Vincent de Paul in Paris in 1833: “The problems in front of us are infinite, and we need to be up to those challenges.”

The men and women of St Vincent de Paul are, indeed, up to the challenge, and our work goes on. Merry Christmas from all of us, when it comes.

Michael Acaldo became CEO of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul USA on October 1. Prior to that he was the CEO of the SVdP Council of Baton Rouge. He joined the Vincentians in 1990.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List 1920 1920 SVDP USA

Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA climbs Forbes’ Top 100 Charities List

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA earned a second consecutive appearance on Forbes magazine’s annual list of Top 100 Charities in the United States, climbing to #59 this year from #75 last year.

SVdP USA received a high charitable commitment score of 89% from Forbes, meaning 89% of SVdP’s total expenses have gone where it matters most: directly to servicing people experiencing poverty. Forbes’ annual list serves as a trusted resource for helping readers distinguish which organizations are worthy of their donor dollars.

“This exciting accomplishment is not just for the organization — it’s also for every single donor, supporter, and neighbor we serve in His name,” said National President John Berry. “It’s a testament to the generosity and compassion our nearly 90,000 Vincentian volunteers have put forth to help their communities, the thousands of hours of providing person-to-person service to our neighbors, and the dedication to creating a more just world.”

SVdP USA has been at the forefront of providing personalized support to underserved communities for more than 150 years, and this legacy of service continues to grow with the tireless efforts of its Vincentian volunteers. Last year, the faith-based organization served more than 5 million people through a variety of its programs including food pantries, shelters, homelessness prevention initiatives such as rent and utility assistance, Home Visits, and more.

NFL Players wear custom cleats to support St. Vincent de Paul USA

NFL Players wear custom cleats to support St. Vincent de Paul USA 750 1075 SVDP USA

NFL Players wear custom cleats to support St. Vincent de Paul USA

During Weeks 13 & 14 of the National Football League games of the 2024 season, NFL players are wearing custom designed cleats in honor of a cause near and dear to their heart. This initiative is through the My Cause My Cleats campaign.

We are grateful for the support of NFL football players Abraham Lucas with the Seattle Seahawks, Jon Runyan with the New York Giants, and Zach Tom with the Green Bay Packers. These spectacular players are taking philanthropy to the next level by wearing custom designed SVdP cleats in honor of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA!

The custom designed SVDP cleats worn this season by NFL player Jon Runyan, Guard for the New York Giants, are open for bidding through December 31st. BID NOW to get your hands on this original pair of shoes: https://givebutter.com/c/svdpusa_runyan

CEO Michael Acaldo featured on Yes Catholic podcast

CEO Michael Acaldo featured on Yes Catholic podcast 1440 1440 SVDP USA

Embracing Faith and Service: Michael Acaldo’s Journey with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA’s CEO Michael Acaldo was recently featured on the weekly podcast Yes Catholic.

“During my 34 years of being a Vincentian in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, I have met so many good people and had the opportunity to witness ordinary people doing extraordinary things…I have been surrounded by people that have put their faith into action by sharing Christ’s love to the most vulnerable. This has shaped me in a remarkable way…”

Listen to the full episode as he shares about his inspiring journey of faith and service:

Yes Catholic S2, E46: Michael Acaldo on Apple Podcast

SVDP Council Spotlight: Baltimore

SVDP Council Spotlight: Baltimore 1078 720 SVDP USA

As a single mother to a grown, autistic son, Sarah faced a heartbreaking reality.

Sarah had been commuting all the way across town for work. But then, she got divorced and that commute was no longer feasible. Her son couldn’t be left alone that long, so she had to choose between her job and caring for her son.

Unemployed and unable to pay the bills, Sarah and her son were evicted. Suddenly homeless and without support for her son, Sarah was living her worst nightmare.

When a friend told Sarah about St. Vincent de Paul Baltimore, everything changed. SVdP helped them find a new place to live and helped Sarah get a job close to home.

Sarah and her son are just a few of the thousands of people served by SVdP Baltimore each year.

More than 2,500 people are experiencing homelessness in the Baltimore region.

Families and individuals lose their homes for a variety of reasons, from unemployment to illness or soaring utility bills. That is why the Baltimore Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers a wide range of homelessness prevention programs and shelter services. Last year, SVdP Baltimore:

• Operated over 10 programs focused on housing and homeless prevention
• Provided 71,175 emergency shelter nights
• Helped hundreds of families with rapid rehousing, and supportive housing programs

St. Vincent de Paul has a national reach that extends from local Conferences to regional Councils, supported by SVdP USA’s overarching programming. Thanks to the generosity of donors who support our outreach at every level, we provide more than just basic shelter to families in need. Most importantly, through our work, these families are shown the abundant love of Christ.

SVDP USA PROVIDES SUPPORT TO REGIONAL SVDP COUNCILS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, ENSURING LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARE EQUIPPED TO CARE FOR THOSE IN NEED. THROUGH CREATIVE PROGRAMMING AND CARING OUTREACH, COUNCILS LIKE SVDP BALTIMORE ARE FIGHTING BACK AGAINST HOMELESSNESS ONE FAMILY AT A TIME.

Helping families on the brink of homelessness saint vincent de paul 2

What does the Grants Pass decision mean for SVdP USA?

What does the Grants Pass decision mean for SVdP USA? 1080 720 SVDP USA

Helping families on the brink of homelessness saint vincent de paul 2THE RECENT GRANTS PASS U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION ALLOWS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE IT A CRIME FOR SOMEONE TO LIVE OUTSIDE AND UNSHELTERED IF THEY HAVE NO HOME.

This is concerning because criminal laws do not address the actual problem of homelessness — which has more to do with skyrocketing housing costs and inflation than regulating homeless encampments.

Thanks to our generous supporters, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul spends over $60 million each year on homelessness prevention programs. Our Vincentians make Home Visits, engaging with landlords and developing personalized assistance plans to help those at risk of losing their homes.

These temporary assistance programs work, and they reduce the economic and social strain of homelessness on our communities.

Most importantly, our programs save lives and restore dignity.

Households that receive just $2,000 in emergency financial assistance are 81% less likely to become homeless. In the wake of the Grants Pass decision, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will continue working to address the root causes of homelessness with positive solutions.

Vincentian Spotlight: Jim Dodd

Vincentian Spotlight: Jim Dodd 1200 1200 SVDP USA

FEW WEEKS BEFORE HIS RETIREMENT, JIM DODD SAW AN INTERVIEW ON TV THAT CHANGED HIS LIFE. It was the executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati discussing hunger and poverty at Thanksgiving.

His eyes still well up as he recounts the moment he comprehended the suffering of people within his own community. “When you encounter situational poverty, you learn quickly that but for the grace of God it could be me in their shoes,” he says. “The loss of a job . . . a health emergency . . . things like that happen all the time.”

Jim made a gift and started working in the food pantry. Shortly thereafter he became a Vincentian.

Seventeen years later, his understanding of the ministry has changed. “Like many Vincentians, I started out just wanting to help people,” he says. “But soon I figured out that it was actually helping me grow spiritually.”

That spiritual growth stems from loving one’s neighbor. “As a Vincentian, we strive to see the face of Christ in those we visit. Well, sometimes that’s a hard thing to do!” Jim says. But the encounter must not become “transactional.” Jim recounts stories of helping a woman re-draw her mortgage to stave off foreclosure, and of working with a mother who’d become homeless with her three daughters to find stable housing and support.

The problem of poverty isn’t going away, Jim admits. But by supporting SVdP’s future efforts through legacy giving, Vincentians can ensure that struggling neighbors will receive the personal support they need.

IN RECENT YEARS, DODD HAS SERVED AS TREASURER OF THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION, PUTTING HIS PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE INTO HELPING SVDP BUILD A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY PROGRAM — A WAY FOR VINCENTIANS TO INCREASE THEIR RETIREMENT INCOMES AND LEAVE A LEGACY GIFT THAT SUSTAINS AND GROWS THE MINISTRY OF SVDP.

I Am a Vincentian (Spanish version) -Video-

I Am a Vincentian (Spanish version) -Video- 1080 1080 SVDP USA

¡Gracias vicentinos!

During this Hispanic Heritage Month, we give a special shout to our Hispanic and Latino American Vincentians, celebrating the special contributions and talents that they bring to SVdP Conferences across the country. Our Spanish-speaking and bilingual Vincentians are indispensable in serving our neighbors in need. ¡GRACIAS for all that you do!

 

Translation: Our Vincentians are saying “I Am _(name)_, and I Am a Vincentian.”

 

 

Erika Aldana, SVdP Long Island NY

Javier Lerch, PhD, National Homelessness Committee

Lalo Rodela, Formation Renewal and Delivery Committee

Claudia Ramirez, CEO of SVdP Contra Costa CA

Julie Bennett, CEO of SVdP Madison WI

Luis Gonzalez, CEO of SVdP North Texas / Dallas

09-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders

09-12-24 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Reality

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve as your new National CEO. I look forward to growing with you spiritually, in friendship, and in service to our neighbors in need!

I thank John Berry and the National Board of Directors for blessing me with this opportunity. I also want to recognize Dave Barringer for his 11 years of dedicated leadership to our Society.

As Vincentians, our focus on spirituality is what I find so inspiring. Each and every one of us is on a spiritual journey of our own, and we’re all at different stages. As Vincentians, we embrace the Beatitudes, just as when Christ said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:3]

We all understand that we need to have a spirit of poverty in relation to our spiritual growth. We all know that the more we grow spiritually, the more we realize that we need to grow. I remember St. Mother Teresa talking about how much she needed to grow spiritually. If St. Mother Teresa needed to grow, we all need to grow!

It can be very challenging in trying to be more Christ-like because we are so imperfect. Sometimes as we get older, we find it harder to measure growth than when we were younger.

It may be harder for us to see our growth, but our Vincentian friends and those we are blessed to serve, not only see our growth, but are inspired by it! Think about your own spiritual growth, and recognize how far you’ve come, and how much opportunity we all have to grow beyond any of our expectations.

The future is in front of our Society! Nothing is holding us back because we have the Holy Spirit behind us. Our Vision SVDP initiative allows each of us throughout the country to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling us about what our Vincentian family can become. It’s not about me or you. It is about all of us!

Yes, we are called to see the face of Christ in those we are blessed to serve, but we are also called to be Christ’s voice in today’s world. Our Vincentian family is coming together in a remarkable way to face the future and to embrace our call to define what the future can be.

When we look at the world today, we see a reality that is hard to understand — division, hatred, conflict, and so many other negative things.

As Vincentians, we are called to leave this world behind, and to embrace our Vincentian Reality. A reality that is built on Christ’s commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” [John 13:34]

We can only be successful in our mission, if we take on the challenge of adapting to the changing world with great vigor and enthusiasm. Let me ask you, “What problem in our country and in our world cannot be solved by loving one another?”

I am honored to embrace our Vincentian call to love one another with you. The world is counting on us to see the face of Christ, and to make Christ’s Love come to life for our neighbors in need!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael

Michael Acaldo
Incoming National CEO

SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register

SVdP National President Featured in National Catholic Register 398 398 SVDP USA

“To address the homelessness crisis, we must encounter those on the brink.” So writes SVdP National President John Berry, in his latest op-ed for the National Catholic Register.

Here’s an excerpt:

“To understand why prevention programs are so critically needed, we must first understand why so many people are becoming homeless. According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, the number of Americans experiencing homelessness has risen almost 50% over the past eight years. 12 million people are “severely cost-burdened,” and thus at risk of becoming homeless themselves. That massive increase can’t be attributed to drugs or mental illness (even if those ills affect the most visibly homeless). Instead, its main drivers are brute economic factors like skyrocketing housing costs and inflation. “A great river of poverty is traversing our cities and swelling to the point of overflowing,” Pope Francis said in his 2023 message for the World Day of the Poor. “It seems to overwhelm us, so great are the needs of our brothers and sisters who plead for our help, support and solidarity.””

Click here to read John’s full article.

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