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Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA Hires Ingrid Delgado as National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy 1703 2560 SVDP USA

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP USA) has hired Ingrid Delgado as its National Director of Public Policy and Advocacy as the organization seeks to raise the profile of key issues, including efforts to prevent homelessness and protect the most vulnerable.

Delgado most recently worked at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as Associate Director of Government Relations and, before then, as a domestic policy advisor. She previously worked as Associate Director of Social Concerns and Respect Life for the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops; as a language arts teacher at an alternative high school; and in youth outreach and refugee resettlement programs for Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

Delgado’s extensive volunteer work has included living in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, as a missionary; youth ministry and catechesis; as well as serving as a board member of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, the Florida Pregnancy Care Network, and Hogar CREA International’s Florida Chapter.

Delgado earned her BA at the University of Central Florida and her MPA at Florida State University. She resides in Virginia with her husband of 24 years and their three children.

SVdP USA CEO Michael Acaldo said, “Ingrid is a magnificent choice for this newly created role. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is increasing our efforts to advocate policymakers on behalf of those we serve, and we’re confident in Ingrid’s ability to lead those efforts and enact positive change for those living in poverty.”

“I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, especially in this pivotal moment of launching an office in our nation’s capital,” noted Delgado. “I have long been inspired by the Society’s dedication to serving the people in our communities who are most in need. I look forward to working with the Vincentians and those whom they serve to bring SVdP’s perspective and experience to members of Congress and better inform policy making that impacts our most marginalized brothers and sisters.”

Delgado’s role will be based out of SVdP USA’s second National Office, located in Washington, DC, and opening April 4.

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SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts
SVdP National President John Berry Statement on US Department of Agriculture Cuts 1920 1920 SVDP USA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) sudden decision to eliminate $1.5 billion in food purchase programs for schools and food banks is a troubling step backward for our country. This move directly harms families and individuals, especially at a time when food prices remain high and food insecurity is rising.

While we recognize the Administration’s authority to address wasteful government spending, these programs were anything but wasteful. A review may be reasonable, but total elimination is devastating. These initiatives put food on dining tables, ensured low-income children were fed, and kept food pantry shelves stocked for those in need — across both red and blue states, alike.

The elimination of the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program will create a massive gap that nonprofit organizations on the front lines of the nation’s food insecurity crisis cannot possibly fill.

Some may argue that these programs — initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — are no longer necessary. However, food insecurity has not recovered from the economic shocks of 2020 – 21 and the ongoing impacts of inflation on working American families. In fact, the problem continues to worsen, leaving more people struggling to access the food they need.

The USDA’s own data paints a stark picture of the nation’s food insecurity crisis. From 2020 to 2024, the all-food Consumer Price Index rose by 23.6% — a reality all too familiar to families struggling to put food on the table. In 2023, more than 18 million households were classified as food insecure, according to the latest USDA Household Food Security Report. This represented 13.5% of U.S. households, a sharp increase from 12.8% in 2022 and 10.2% in 2021.

At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP), we have deep expertise in addressing food insecurity and the way it can lead to homelessness. Ranked by Forbes magazine as the 59th largest nonprofit in the U.S. as ranked by Forbes Magazine, we provided $1.7 billion in services last year to more than five million people.

As a leader in the fight to prevent homelessness and to care for our most vulnerable populations, we urge the USDA to convene a gathering of organizations to provide our perspective and to seek solutions that work to keep people fed. We come with open minds, compassionate hearts and a commitment to collaboration to seek solutions, and we trust the USDA will act in similar good faith to alleviate the suffering of those living on the margins.

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03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-20-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Every day, we Vincentians have personal encounters with the people we serve as we live out our vocation in this ministry that we all love and have committed ourselves to.

These encounters occur in many different places — food pantries, homes, thrift stores, dining halls, homeless shelters, parish offices. It really doesn’t matter where the encounter occurs, because the foundation of that encounter is the profound idea of “place of presence” — a sacred space where we encounter the divine through our engagement with those in need.

When we serve the poor, we do not merely extend a helping hand; we enter into a holy encounter where Christ Himself is present. Scripture reminds us time and again that God is intimately concerned with the suffering of the poor, and He calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. So, we must understand and recognize how the “place of presence” transforms our charitable works into moments of grace and divine encounter.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

This powerful statement affirms that when we reach out to the hungry, the homeless, and the marginalized, we are stepping into a “place of presence” where Christ dwells. Our acts of charity are not just social work; they are encounters with Jesus in His most distressing disguise. When we serve with this perspective, our actions become an expression of our faith, a tangible manifestation of God’s love in the world.

So, as we engage in encounter during our Vincentian work, every dining hall, every shelter, every visit to a person’s home, every act of generosity becomes a sanctuary — a “place of presence” — where the love of God is revealed. When we respond to the cries of the poor, we are not simply fixing problems; we are becoming instruments of God’s justice and love, making His presence tangible in the world.

But what matters, the only thing that matters, is the quality of that encounter. What matters is that we understand the important differences between transactional encounters and Christ-centered, deeply spiritual encounters, particularly in the context of charitable work with those in need.

As we engage in acts of service, it is essential to reflect on the nature of our interactions and the motivations behind our actions. Are we merely fulfilling a duty, or are we entering into a transformative relationship that reflects the love of Christ?

Transactional encounters are often characterized by a mindset of exchange. In these interactions, we may approach charitable work with a focus on what we can give or what we can gain.

For instance, someone might volunteer at dining hall or a thrift store, viewing their actions as a checklist to fulfill their perceived moral obligations. While these acts are undoubtedly valuable, they can sometimes lack the depth and authenticity that come from a Christ-centered approach. In a transactional mindset, we may unconsciously view those we serve as mere recipients of our generosity, rather than as individuals with their own stories, struggles, and dignity.

Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, we see a man who is beaten and left for dead by the side of the road. The priest and the Levite, both respected figures in society, pass by without offering help. They may have been preoccupied with their own duties, or perhaps they felt that helping the wounded man was not their responsibility. In contrast, the Samaritan, a figure often despised by the Jewish community, stops to help. He does not see the wounded man as a mere project or a checklist item; he sees a fellow human being in need. His compassion leads him to take action, to bind the man’s wounds, and to ensure he receives care.

This story is a wonderful example of the difference between a transactional encounter and a Christ-centered encounter. The priest and the Levite represent a transactional mindset, where their actions are dictated by societal expectations and personal convenience. The Samaritan, however, embodies the heart of Christ-centered service — he acts out of love, empathy, and a deep recognition of the inherent worth of the other.

When we engage in charitable work from a Christ-centered perspective, we are called to see those we serve as our brothers and sisters in Christ. This requires us to move beyond a mindset of obligation and to embrace a spirit of genuine compassion. It means taking the time to listen to their stories, to understand their struggles, and to walk alongside them in their journey. In doing so, we create a space for authentic connection, where both the giver and the receiver are transformed.

A Christ-centered encounter in charitable work also invites us to reflect on our own vulnerabilities.

When we serve others, we are reminded of our shared humanity. We all have needs, struggles, and moments of weakness. This recognition fosters humility and gratitude, allowing us to approach our work with a spirit of solidarity rather than superiority. We are not saviors; we are fellow travelers on the journey of life, called to support one another in love. This acknowledgement and understanding that we are not saviors, that we can’t help everyone, is the hardest thing we Vincentians often have to learn. It is too frequently the root cause of our burnout and frustration.

Charity is not only about material giving; it is about relational giving. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God chose to be present with humanity, not from a distance, but by entering into our struggles and pains. In the same way, our charitable works should not be impersonal transactions; they should be incarnational, reflecting the love of Christ through genuine presence.

Pope Francis speaks often about the “culture of encounter,” urging us to go beyond superficial aid and truly know and love the poor. He reminds us that “the Gospel of the marginalized is where our credibility is found and revealed.” This means stepping into the spaces of suffering with humility and love, not merely as benefactors but as fellow human beings created in God’s image.

To be truly present means to listen deeply and to share in the joys and sorrows of those we serve. It is easy to drop off a box of food, promise to pay off a bill, or make a donation, but to sit with someone, to hear their story, to share a moment of laughter or tears — this is where transformation happens. And this can’t occur when we’re rushing to fill in the data on a form so we can process a check and get on to the next case. That’s transaction, not encounter.

Jesus did not merely provide for people’s needs; He walked with them, touched them, called them by name. When we follow His example, our presence becomes an extension of His love, and in that sacred space, both the giver and the receiver are changed.

So, as we are doing our Conference and Council work, trying to help as many people as we can (and sometimes maybe doing too much), we need to stop and ask ourselves a very hard question: Are we approaching our service as a transaction, or are we entering into a sacred encounter? Are we merely checking off a box, or are we allowing ourselves to be transformed by the relationships we build? Are we trying to do too much, given the people resources we have, and in doing so, are we turning a Christ-centered encounter into a transaction that diminishes both us and the person we serve?

I believe that the answer to that question, if we truly answer it honestly, is too often not going to be the one we want to hear.

Therefore, we must strive to cultivate a spirit of Christ-centered service in our Vincentian works. We must approach those in need with open hearts, ready to listen, to learn, and to love. We must remember that our acts of service are not just about what we can give, but about the relationships we build and the love we share. As we do so, we will not only bless those we serve but also experience the transformative power of Christ’s love in our own lives. Let us commit today, and every day, to serve with renewed hearts, seeing in every suffering face an opportunity to meet Christ.

May our charity be more than obligation. May it be a joyful response to God’s call to love, knowing that in the “place of presence,” we are not only serving but also being served by the grace of our Lord.

And that, my friends, is what being a Vincentian is truly all about, isn’t it?

Peace and God’s blessings,
John

John Berry
National President

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A Thrift Store Reborn: Rekindling the Spirit of Service in Albuquerque
A Thrift Store Reborn: Rekindling the Spirit of Service in Albuquerque 644 429 SVDP USA

A Thrift Store Reborn: Rekindling the Spirit of Service in Albuquerque

Since its opening in 2012, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s (SVdP) thrift store in Albuquerque has made it its mission to serve the community. But operational challenges and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic recently put the store’s future in jeopardy. And now faith, perseverance, and community support have given the store a fresh start.

The Albuquerque thrift store is one of more than 380 SVdP thrift stores across the country, each one supporting vulnerable individuals by providing affordable essentials, shopping vouchers, and financial assistance for local SVdP Conferences and homelessness prevention programs.

The Albuquerque location faced its share of setbacks, struggling with outdated systems, staffing shortages, and security concerns. At the same time, the need in Albuquerque has grown. As of August 2024, homelessness in the city has more than doubled over the past two years. Unprecedented rent increases and shortages of affordable housing have left many residents seeking assistance from SVdP.

Fueled by dedicated volunteers, new leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose, SVdP’s network of charity transformed the store — ensuring it remains a community resource for those experiencing homelessness.

In July 2023, Linda Strasburg, who had recently been named interim Archdiocesan Council President for Albuquerque, contacted SVdP’s National Thrift Store Committee to assess the store. Store Support Director Jeffrey Beamguard, a veteran of the thrift industry with over 40 years of experience, visited in November to evaluate the situation. Some of his key recommendations included implementing a new POS system to boost sales, hiring additional staff, increasing security to prevent vandalism and dumpster diving, and improving the store’s overall appearance.

“It will not be easy to change what has been the norm for years. Now is the time to completely embrace this plan and give it 100% by everyone,” said Jeff in his assessment.

Local Vincentians accepted the challenge.

Linda, now serving as the Archdiocese Council Santa Fe Board President, got straight to work with local leaders. In February 2024, they hired Brittany Deloya as the new store manager.

“When Brittany joined the team, she had no prior management experience. SVdP supported her by covering coursework at a local college and training at the SVdP national store location in Phoenix, and she has embraced every learning opportunity since,” said Linda.

The team began applying Jeff’s recommendations, including updating the POS system and reorganizing the backend of the business. Raymond, whom Brittany referred to as ‘the handyman,’ installed freezer strips to help regulate the store’s temperature, painted signs, and put up walls to create a fitting room. He also removed the security bars from the windows so The Knights of Columbus could give them a fresh cleaning. A volunteer with experience working on airplanes offered to repair the trucks at a discounted rate, allowing the store to resume donation pickups. Clearinghouse Manager Luana Salazar’s husband painted the building.

“All the things that we’ve implemented make the store and the warehouse better. It has improved 120%,” said Luana. “It’s lively, it’s open, it’s clean.”

As improvements were made, customers took notice and shared their appreciation for the changes.

“I do consistently hear feedback about how the store looks, the appearance, and the way we’ve arranged it,” said Brittany. “They’ve told me they enjoy shopping here and that this has become one of their go-to thrift stores on weekends.”

When it came time for the grand reopening, Archbishop John C. Wester led the blessing ceremony for the thrift store, warehouse, and clearinghouse. In addition to SVdP leadership, staff and volunteers, representatives from The Catholic Foundation, the Knights of Columbus, and more were in attendance.

“In 2 Timothy, Paul tells us to rekindle the fire that is within us. When the fire dies down, we must stir the ashes and find the hot spots in order to rekindle the spirit. Throughout this last year we have rekindled the fire of our work by making many changes and improvements in our facility including security fencing, exterior painting and a state-of-the-art point of sales system. We have rekindled our vision,” said Linda in her grand reopening remarks.

As the team looks ahead, plans are in development to build a food pantry on the property, which could create a one-stop-shop where those in need could get food, clothes, and furniture.

“I don’t think we’re done growing. If you were to talk with us in six months to a year, I believe we’d have similar stories to tell,” said Linda.

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03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-13-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Our Vincentian Charism

I just attended my first Midyear Business Meeting as your National CEO, and it was fantastic! It was wonderful to reunite with Vincentians that I have known for decades, and to meet others for the first time.

The Charism of our Society was on full display. As we all know, what a gift it is from the Holy Spirit to be a part of our Vincentian call to seek and find the forgotten. When we fulfill our call, we encounter Jesus in everyone we are blessed to serve.

Many Vincentians told me that they felt this was the best Midyear Meeting they have ever attended. There were a lot of reasons it was a great meeting.

First, when we gather, we fulfill our Vincentian call to grow spiritually and in friendship. That cannot happen at a virtual Zoom meeting.

Second, the focus of this year’s meeting was on Governance, Finance, and the Standards of Excellence, critical parts of good stewardship and essential for achieving Blessed Frédéric’s vision of a commitment to accountability within our Society. Special thanks to John Hallissy and Ed McCarthy for their excellent presentations on this subject matter.

Third, we were able to discuss and celebrate all our recent accomplishments. Our Regional Vice Presidents are working together to position our Councils, Conferences, and Special Works for success in keeping hope alive for the most vulnerable throughout our great country.

National President John Berry gave a State of the Society comprehensive report on the activities of our National Council. He provided an overview of how well Vision SVdP is shaping up, and how the information provided by our membership will lay out the roadmap for our future.

Sean Meyers gave the final report and a detailed plan from our Technology Task Force. His report highlighted our vision of how the use of technology will be key to the bright future of our Society.

It was also reported that our Society will officially open our Washington D.C. Office on April 4. As one of the largest lay Catholic groups in the country, this new office will give us the opportunity to share the stories of those we are blessed to serve with our leaders, but most importantly, with the whole country.

Earlier in this article, I mentioned the encounters we are blessed to have with those we serve. These encounters are priceless, and that is why it is so important for us to be that voice for the poor. We need to share their stories so together we can unite as a country to end some of the things we see on our encounters with those most in need.

How heartbreaking it is to visit a home with children who cannot even go to bed hungry because they do not even have a bed to sleep on.

How important are our encounters at SVdP Special Works, where people who are working come into our pharmacies because they cannot afford their life-sustaining medications.

We provide food, beds, prescription medicines, and so much more! Where would the most vulnerable be in our country or world without the Society?

Our Vincentian Charism is such a special gift — and so is the wisdom we share in our Vincentian friendship.

Several decades ago, a Vincentian leader in my hometown shared some wisdom with me that I cherish to this day. He was a two-time Council President in the Diocese of Baton Rouge, serving six years in the 1970s and six years in the 1990s.

Marvin Vincent Ourso was a Vincentian for almost 70 years before he went to his rest in heaven.

Many years ago, Marvin and I were having a conversation about how people can grow together with different views and thoughts on a variety of issues.

At the time, Marvin was in his early 70s, and I was in my late 20s. I was trying to understand the complex nature of relationships.

Marvin said, “As Vincentians, we are all trying to grow closer to Jesus. We are trying to follow His example.” He said, “Michael, you know that Jesus was both liberal and conservative (not in a political sense). He knows when to be liberal and when to be conservative. He is divine and we are not, but we need to do our best to look at everything through the lens that Jesus would want us to.”

Marvin went on to say, “For us brother and sister Vincentians, the most important thing we have is Christ and our friendship. Nothing can divide us if we grow together spiritually.”

These words of wisdom are even more important to me today than when Marvin shared them with me over 30 years ago.

That is what I saw on display at our Midyear Meeting: Vincentians embracing one another, sharing wisdom, and growing in spiritual friendship.

It is a blessing for me to meet and get to know each of you. You are God’s gift to our Society and all those we are blessed to serve!

Best wishes in Christ,
Michael J. Acaldo
National CEO

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03-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
03-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Are You a Virtuous Vincentian?

The classic definition of “virtue” is “a good quality or habit that reflects high moral standards.” We all know the three theological virtues — faith, hope, and love — and some may even remember the cardinal virtues: prudence, temperance, justice, and fortitude.

But how many of us know and try to cultivate the five Vincentian virtues? You heard about them at Ozanam Orientation, and they appear in the Rule, but unless they’re a part of your daily life and vocation, they are easy to forget.

So, let’s review:

The first is SIMPLICITY. In the context of our vocation, this means being plain-spoken and transparent, eschewing ostentation and vainglory, not cultivating secret grievances or hidden agendas. Simplicity means that what you see is what you get.

The second is HUMILITY, for us perhaps the greatest of virtues. Humility doesn’t mean self-abnegation or detraction. Far from it. Humility means honestly admitting our strengths and our weaknesses and then relying on God’s grace to make up the difference. As T.S. Eliot said, “The only wisdom we can hope to acquire is the wisdom of humility.”

GENTLENESS is the third Vincentian virtue. Gentleness involves smoothing the hard edges of our personalities for the sake of others. It means treating everyone we encounter — including those we serve and those we serve with — respectfully and with grace and compassion.

The fourth virtue is SELFLESSNESS, which means placing the well-being of others, especially the poor, ahead of our own. As the Rule says, selflessness means, “Dying to our ego with a life of self-sacrifice; members share their time, their possessions, their talents and themselves in a spirit of generosity.” (2.5.1)

Finally, the fifth Vincentian virtue is ZEAL. For us, zeal is a passion for our work and the cause of those we serve. It is a heartfelt longing to see “the full flourishing and eternal happiness of every person.” (Rule 2.5.1)

Now, the fact is that there are more than 80,000 Vincentians in the United States. We each have our own personalities and experiences. We’re all at different points in our personal pathways of Christian discipleship. The result is that not all of us excel at all the virtues all the time. That’s to be expected — and it’s perfectly okay, so long as we keep at it!

For instance, the Vincentian I know best (that would be me), is full of zeal but could use a lot more humility. He’s relatively selfless but needs to work harder on gentleness. It’s okay. The Vincentian vocation is a lifelong school, and as with any skill or quality worth possessing, the virtues take time and practice to acquire.

But be warned: If we embrace and fully live the five Vincentian virtues, we will inevitably find ourselves more and more estranged from the world in which we live, and even from friends and family. We live in a time and culture that hates humility, that mocks gentleness, that equates simplicity with stupidity, that laughs at selflessness, that only honors zeal in pursuit of self-interest. The nature of our charism as Vincentians means that if we do this work and live these virtues, we will inevitably be countercultural, a sign of contradiction, hated and despised by some, laughed at by others.

That’s okay … in fact, it’s more than just okay. It is what we should expect. It’s even what we should hope and pray for!

After all, our Lord said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11, 12)

A parish in my town has a wayside pulpit on a busy intersection. Recently, it featured this question: “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” As Vincentians and Catholics that should be a question that haunts us. It’s a question of integrity, and it really boils down to this: have we so blended what we claim to believe with how we live that there could be no judgment but “guilty?” The practice of simplicity, humility, gentleness, selflessness, and zeal in this vocation of charity all but guarantees it. And thank God for that.

Yours in Christ,
Mark Gordon
National Vice President, Northeast Region

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A Midyear Meeting to Remember in St. Louis
A Midyear Meeting to Remember in St. Louis 2560 1707 SVDP USA

Vincentians from all across the United States gathered together March 5-8 in downtown St. Louis at the Midyear Business Meeting of SVdP USA. While in attendance, leaders learned about governance, leadership, advocacy, and finance, while renewing and deepening shared spirituality and friendships with one another. More than 200 leaders were in attendance, representing all nine regions and hundreds of SVdP Conferences.

National President John Berry welcomed members with his Presidential Address on Thursday with this speech. He began his address in this way: “Every night, more than a half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. As Vincentians, and as Christians, we understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others.”

Other highlights included Director David Garcia’s update on the SoCal wildfire relief efforts, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario CM’s spiritual retreat, a Good Governance workshop with John Hallissy, and a Finance Presentation by Ed McCarthy.

To make our meeting times together more effective, SVdP USA is moving away from the Midyear Meeting starting in 2026. Instead, SVdP will focus on regional meetings and meetings of other affinity groups, including Executive Directors, Stores, Spiritual Advisors, Conference Presidents, and more.

See below for highlights of last week’s Midyear Meeting, and view video presentations here.

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2025 SVdP USA Midyear Business Meeting Opening Remarks
2025 SVdP USA Midyear Business Meeting Opening Remarks 1024 1024 SVDP USA

by John Berry, National President

Every night, more than a half a million people in America experience homelessness. Imagine walking past them knowing they are someone’s mother, father, or child. As Vincentians, we cannot simply walk by — we are called to act. As Vincentians, and as Christians, we understand our profound responsibility to act boldly in service to others.  The words from 1 John, “‘Let us love, not with words but with deeds” are a reminder to all of us of the profound responsibility we share as Christians to live out our faith not just in what we say, but in what we do. We transform this divine mandate beyond just our service to those in need into action as bearers of hope and justice; things we are called to do by our faith, and upon which our Society was founded..

We each are familiar with the calls to action required to address the many needs in the world. And we celebrate the profound joy that comes from growing in holiness through our response to Christ’s call to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger, minister to the sick, and visit the prisoner. The work of every Vincentian here today is a vital lifeline for countless people in need, individuals and families often standing at the brink of despair, searching for a glimmer of hope.

Every year we are faced with new challenges and new opportunities. The world constantly evolves. Amid the excitement of new beginnings and the anticipation of fresh starts, there are also apprehensions about the changes and challenges that may lie ahead. But amidst these feelings, one constant always remains: the enduring power of hope. And so, we must be Bearers of Hope to the countless many who wonder if hope exists, who wonder if love exists, who wonder if anyone cares.

For Hope is the belief that even in the face of adversity, goodness and redemption are possible. It is the conviction that we can overcome obstacles, heal divisions, and build a more just and compassionate world. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Hope is the seed, but it is justice that is the harvest.

If we do not act, hope will remain just a dream. Justice must propel us to action, inspiring efforts that ripple outward, creating lasting change, and making our world a better place. And so, we must also become fighters for Justice. But we face a difficult challenge when frankly we sometimes must wonder if the world has lost its mind. A world that mirrors almost identically that of the 1830s in Paris, France where Frédéric Ozanam said:

“The problem that divides men and women in our day is… whether society will be only a great exploitation to the profit of the strongest or a consecration of each individual for the good of all and especially for the protection of the weak. There are a great many men and women who have too much and who wish to have more; there are a great many others who do not have enough, who have nothing, and who are willing to take if someone gives to them. Between these two classes of men, a confrontation is coming, and this menacing confrontation will be terrible; on the one side, the power of gold, on the other the power of despair.”

So, as in 1833 at our founding, we must become Advocates for Justice, transforming hope into action, and helping to heal our wounded world.

Now there are those who say we should not involve ourselves in advocacy or the great issues of the day. They say we should be content with the charity we offer and not try to change the things that cause or perpetuate poverty, dependency, and need.

To those people I would say that if we do not use the knowledge and learning we uniquely gain through our personal encounters with the people we serve to help change the causes of poverty, dependence, and need then we are failing in our duty as Christians and we are not being true to the foundations of our Society. Recall Frédéric Ozanam’s famous quote:

“Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is justice’s role to prevent the attack.”

In 1848 Frédéric Ozanam was the Vice President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. On the occasion on the General Assembly that year, he wrote a letter spoke to the vital importance of advocacy that the Society was obligated to undertake based on how we encountered the poor. Frederic wrote:

“Yes, without doubt, it is too little to relieve the needy day by day. It is necessary to get to the root of the evil, and by wise reforms to diminish the causes of public misery. But we profess to believe that the science of welfare reform is learned less in books and parliamentary debates, than by climbing up the floors of the poor man’s house,  by sitting at his bedside, by suffering the same cold as him, and by drawing out the secret of his desolate heart through the outpouring of a friendly conversation. When we have fulfilled this ministry, not for a few months, but for many years; when we have thus studied the poor at home, at school, at the hospital, not in one city only, but in many, in the countryside and in all the conditions where God has put it, then we begin to know the elements of this formidable problem of misery; then we have the right to propose serious measures, and instead of frightening society, we give it consolation and hope.

My friends, when the Society of St. Vincent de Paul began, in 1833, political groups were as present as today, armed as today, irreconcilable as today. It was the need to be united in the midst of a disunited people that forged our first bonds. Is this need not more urgent than ever? Do you not see that division penetrates everywhere, among honest people, among Christians, and even in the homes of all families? And when the times are so difficult, the problems so serious, the designs of God so hidden, how could the best citizens not be divided and not bring to their opposite opinions all the passion of their patriotism?”

The words are as true today as when they were written on December 14, 1848. They could have been written last week and been applicable to our world in 2025. They are our heritage, they are our history, they are the calling we must continue to follow in today’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Those who don’t understand that don’t understand the wholeness of the Society.

It is our Charity and our personal encounters with those we serve that gives us the credibility, the right — no, the obligation — to advocate on behalf of those we serve. As Frédéric wrote, we don’t learn about the poor from books and think tank sessions.  We learn about the poor be being with them, caring with them, suffering with them, praying with them, loving them.  That is what we must speak with and for them. To abandon our duty to serve them by advocating for them would be like abandoning them by refusing to provide them food or other aid.

Our call to serve the poor, the refugee, the sick, and all those who suffer injustice and oppression is also deeply rooted in Scripture. From the call of Isaiah in the Old Testament to the Gospel of Matthew we are told that our work must be holistic and transformative, addressing both immediate needs and systemic injustices. And Jesus tells us very clearly that our service to others is not just a charitable act — it is a divine mandate.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, celebrates a rich heritage of charitable work that began with our founding in 1833. That small effort by six college students has become a fire that lights the world. Today we serve in 155 countries around the world, with 800,000 Members and 1.5 million volunteers. We provided more 1.49 TRILLION Euros in Service to over 30 million people in 2023. And this year we will celebrate the 180th Anniversary of the founding of the Society here in the United States.

Our SVdP core value is deep, personal encounters with those we serve. It is this heritage of compassionate, relational charity that is the foundation of who we are and what we cherish and honor as we move forward.

Vincentians understand the words that George Bernard Shaw wrote many years ago, “The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them.” So, the SVdP commitment to a human-to-human, Christ-centered encounter with all those we serve is unwavering and ensures that we are never indifferent to their material needs, but more importantly, we are not indifferent to their need to be seen, to be heard, and to be loved; by us and by God. Our commitment to compassion and service is unwavering.

Our founders underscored the importance of charity as an inclusive act, not merely an exchange of goods but a genuine relationship and community-building effort. But Ozanam also passionately spoke to the need to address the underlying causes of poverty and injustice. Frédéric said:

“Charity is not sufficient, it treats the wounds but does not stop the blows that cause them.
There comes a time when Charity is unable to do everything, and justice alone can ensure the well-being of all”

In his 2017 World Day of the Poor message, Pope Francis wrote:

“We may think of the poor simply as the beneficiaries of our occasional volunteer work, or of impromptu acts of generosity that appease our conscience. However good and useful such acts may be for making us sensitive to people’s needs and the injustices that are often their cause, they ought to lead to a true encounter with the poor and a sharing that becomes a way of life.”

That true spiritual encounter touches us. It enriches us. It’s true value is that it is a shared encounter.

To serve effectively in an ever-changing world, we are challenged to open our minds and hearts. We must ask ourselves: How can we be more inclusive? How can we address the root causes of poverty rather than just the symptoms?

The needs of the poor are evolving. And the face of poverty is changing; seniors, women, single parents, and the displaced middle class have become a larger part of the more than 5 million people we serve every year. And as the world evolves, so do the needs of the poor.

This year, SVdP USA is taking bold new action to increase the impact of our work and channel our hopes into concrete action. On April 4, we will open our second National Office in Washington, DC. We will increase our efforts to advocate on behalf of those we serve and turn our focus more intensely towards the pressing issues of our time, particularly the scourge of poverty and homelessness that afflicts far too many of our fellow Americans. As we were recently recognized as the 59th largest nonprofit in the United States by Forbes Magazine, providing over $1.7 Billion in services directly to over 5 million people in need last year, we have a right to be heard and a voice that matters.  That 5 million people is not just a number — that’s 5 million lives changed, 5 million families given a second chance, and they have a right to have their stories told and their needs identified to the people who can change the law and break down the barriers that are preventing them achieving stability and self-sufficiency.  We are that voice!

The unique direct relationship we have with our neighbors in need gives us a perspective and view from the reality of the poor that we are obligated to share with policy makers and like-minded nonprofits and other organizations to help drive change. Our new DC office will anchor that advocacy work.

The stark and shocking reality of America and the world today is that millions of our brothers and sisters lack basic necessities — affordable housing, nutritious food, and quality healthcare. Families live on the streets, children go to bed hungry, and the cycle of poverty persists. Imagine a mother putting her children down to sleep on a cold night — with no bed and no roof overhead. Or a child going to school hungry, unable to focus on learning. This is the reality WE must change.

This is a crisis of conscience for our nation and every nation. It is a stark reminder that the pursuit of individual prosperity cannot come at the expense of the common good. We are called, as followers of Christ, to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

As we look ahead, I am inspired by what we can accomplish together. Imagine a community where every child has access to food, every family has a safe place to call home, and every individual feels valued. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

The task before us is daunting, but not insurmountable. We cannot solve the problems of poverty and homelessness overnight. But we can, each one of us, make a difference. We can be a force for good in the world. We can build a more just and compassionate society, a society where everyone can live a life of dignity and hope.

Our goal must be not just to alleviate suffering but to encounter the divine in our service to others. By looking to the future with hope and embracing new ways of doing things, we serve in ways that are both meaningful and transformative.

In his 2023 message for the World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis wrote:

“Our daily efforts to welcome the poor are still not enough. A great river of poverty is traversing our cities and swelling to the point of overflowing; it seems to overwhelm us, so great are the needs of our brothers and sisters who plead for our help, support, and solidarity.” … It is easy to delegate charity to others, yet the calling of every Christian is to become personally involved.”

This call to perseverance in the face of what at times seems like hopelessness reminds us that our efforts, though sometimes modest, are significant. Every novel approach, every innovative idea, can make a profound difference. Each of us matters.

We stand poised to face new challenges with courage and creativity. As we move forward, let us do so with hearts full of love, minds open to innovation, and spirits grounded in the timeless values of our faith.

Together, we can make a difference that echoes through the ages, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.

My Brothers and Sisters, the call to serve is a divine mandate that transcends time and tradition. Let us be committed and courageous in our approach to answering that call.

Let us commit, in the spirit of the Gospel of Matthew 25, to serving Christ in the least of our brothers and sisters.

Let us commit to be courageous in adapting our charitable efforts to meet the evolving needs of the poor.

Let us commit to embrace this new year with renewed hope and a renewed commitment to action as instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.

Let us commit together to build a beloved community where all are welcome, where all are valued, and where all can flourish.

Let us commit to be bold, compassionate, and innovative as we work together to build a future filled with hope and healing.

And let us commit that our efforts will reflect the love of Christ in every act of charity we undertake.

Together, we are the light that dispels the darkness. We are the hands of Christ, the voice of the voiceless, the hope of the hopeless. And we will not stop until justice is done, until love reigns, until all are seen, heard, and embraced in dignity.

As we move forward with courage and faith; without fear or apprehension let us be inspired by the words of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, “Let us not be discouraged; let us be better.”

In closing, I offer you the words of St. Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.” This simple yet profound directive guides all of us in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in our mission to serve with love and compassion.

Thank you, and God bless.

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Devastating Wildfires Heighten Importance of Homelessness Prevention in California
Devastating Wildfires Heighten Importance of Homelessness Prevention in California 2048 1536 SVDP USA
by David Garcia, Executive Director, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles

The recent wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles and its neighboring communities bring the threat of homelessness ever closer to countless doorsteps.

I’m not just talking about the tens of thousands of people that have been displaced due to the fires, many of whom face the awful challenge of finding a place to live and rebuilding their lives after their home was destroyed. All sorts of establishments have also been destroyed — offices and shops, restaurants and schools, parks and recreation centers. According to Morgan Stanley, an estimated 20,000-40,000 jobs have been lost from the fires — another devastating and long-term impact. For many Californians, this job loss and profound disruption pushes them closer to the brink of homelessness. Effective, preventative intervention needs to happen now — before it’s too late.

Make no mistake: Even before the fires, California residents have been struggling. The average median rent in California is already $2,763 — 38% higher than the national average, according to Zillow — and that was before the housing supply in Los Angeles took a catastrophic hit. Many Californians need to find a new job, a new home, or both – when they were already struggling to keep up with rent and feed their families. That situation puts far too many California families far too close to the edge of homelessness.

Responding to this situation effectively means responding to it proactively. While many homelessness services organizations focus on what happens after someone becomes homeless, homelessness prevention is at once far more effective and humane. It involves identifying and supporting people who are on the verge of losing their homes – assessing their underlying threats to homelessness and taking preventative measures that will keep them housed.

This is our approach at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We administer Home Visits to those seeking assistance to meet them where they are and learn the best ways, tailored to their specific situation, to help keep them in stable housing and off the streets.

Since the fires broke out, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conferences in the neighborhoods that were affected by the fires have been tirelessly active in addressing the critical needs of their communities. Conferences and the Los Angeles Council have hosted fire relief distributions. Items given out include shoes, clothing, food, water, towels, pet supplies, and baby essentials. In addition, gift cards were distributed, and immediate financial assistance was offered. We continue to work with the fire victims once they move into new housing by providing move-in assistance and home furnishings through St. Vincent de Paul’s National Disaster Services Corp’s House in a Box program.

New research indicates how well these preventive measures work. According to a recent study conducted by Notre Dame’s Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO), persons who received an average of $2,000 in emergency financial assistance were 81% less likely to become homeless within six months of enrollment and 73% less likely within 12 months.

The state of California has spent $24 billion on homelessness in the past five years. Granting that much of that money is well spent, consider how acute the crisis remains. How much farther could that spending go if we invested some of it in preventing homelessness rather than ameliorating its worst effects? As we look to help those who lost their livelihoods in the fires, it’s time to find out just how effective prevention can be. I am confident it will alleviate a much higher long-term housing crisis in the future.

Homelessness isn’t going away in California. The aftermath of the wildfires in Los Angeles is a stark reminder of that. There is a pressing need to step in and intervene now, before the demand for affordable housing becomes too great and more families are forced out of their homes. By turning our attention to prevention, we can work together to stop the future scourge of homelessness in Los Angeles.

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02-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
02-27-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

I still remember my mother’s favorite prayer, “God grant me patience…. And grant it to me right now!”

My mom needed to have a lot of patience in her life. My father had passed away at the age of 33 from an aggressive form of lung cancer, leaving my 29-year-old mother with four children under the age of 7. I would like to say that us children were models of good behavior…but that was not always the case. We were normal, rambunctious children with typical sibling rivalries and behaviors. Our mother showed us immense love, grace, and patience, even as she was struggling with raising a family without her husband.

My mother loved us, raised us with expectations for leading a good life and grounded us in our Catholic faith. My mother was the role model for my faith journey. I have memories as a child of seeing her kneel at her bedside saying her nighttime prayers after a long day of chasing her children. Although things were difficult, she relied on her faith to guide her through the ups and downs of her life. She was patient and let God’s plan for her life unfold over time.

I would like to say that I inherited my mother’s virtue of patience — but regrettably, I did not. Too often I have found myself to be impatient about delays, mix-ups, long lines, or computer glitches. I show little patience for people who are late to appointments, tardy in getting assignments done, or meeting obligations either large or small.

We live in a technologically advanced society where we travel across the country in hours, talk directly to people around the globe in seconds, and have packages arrive at our doorstep from around the world within a day or two from ordering them online. We are irritated at the slightest delay in traffic. We are short on patience and short on grace.

In the last few years, with the help of prayers, spiritual reflection, and the guidance and example of my fellow Vincentians, I have started to work on my sin of impatience, albeit slowly. Being a Vincentian has taught me that God reveals His plan on His time and at His pace. We cannot and do not change the world. Only God possesses that Power of Change. It is up to us to be patient and listen to God through our prayers and our interactions with our neighbors in need. As Vincentians, we can get overwhelmed by the sheer number of neighbors in need or by the finite limit of our resources. We must be patient and know that God is always present, and His plan is unfolding as He wills.

As I look back at the difficult times throughout my life, I realize that God always answered my prayers — not on my timeline or my wants, but on His timeline and what I truly needed. In all cases, God’s plan and timing was exactly what I needed in my life.

Our Vincentian vocation calls us to a deeper relationship with God through our service to our neighbors. We realize that when we do His work as He commanded us, we supply the effort — but it is God who supplies the result. As we go about our mission as Vincentians, let us show patience to the people we serve, patience with the slow process of change, patience to our fellow Vincentians and finally, patience to ourselves. After all, we all are works in progress. God is not finished with working miracles in our lives or in the world!

Yours in Christ,
Chuck Korte
National Vice President, Midwest Region

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