Homelessness Prevention

Over half a million Americans experience homelessness every year

Cost of living increases and inflation are pushing many families over the brink. In 2023 alone, 653,000 Americans experienced homeless. But there’s good news lining these dark clouds: communities see a major decrease in homelessness when they invest in homelessness PREVENTION programs.

Treating homelessness is costly — preventing homelessness isn’t.

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 permanently through early intervention costs, on average, $2,000.

We bring personalized help to people in crisis.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is spearheading a nationwide movement to prevent homelessness. In cities across the United States, SVdP Councils and Conferences bring help and hope to the unhoused in our communities through rental and utility assistance, food pantries, charitable pharmacies, day centers, transitional housing for disabled and veteran persons, and more.

More and more single-parent families stand on the brink of homelessness. One car wreck, hospital stay, or layoff can dislodge a family from a home and put them out on the streets.

$60 Million of assistance provided

In 2023, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul mobilized $60 million in emergency financial assistance to prevent evictions and keep people housed. Every dollar invested in prevention saves up to five dollars in costs associated with homelessness. And keeping individuals and families housed promotes healthier, more stable communities. Will you help?

In the NEWS

From Temporary Shelter to Stability: SVdP’s Motel to Home Program Breaks Through in Virginia 2560 1707 SVDP USA

From Temporary Shelter to Stability: SVdP’s Motel to Home Program Breaks Through in Virginia

From Temporary Shelter to Stability: SVdP’s Motel to Home Program Breaks Through in Virginia It’s hard to imagine what to do next after finding out that 1,300 kids in your local school district are homeless. But Dan Kearns, Executive Director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Richmond Council, acted quicky. After learning…

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Not a Life Sentence: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Des Moines 2560 1708 SVDP USA

Not a Life Sentence: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Des Moines

Not a Life Sentence: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Des Moines BEING BORN INTO POVERTY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A LIFE SENTENCE. THAT’S WHAT THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL DES MOINES COUNCIL WANTS PEOPLE TO KNOW.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Des Moines Council wants people to know that…

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Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill 1600 1065 SVDP USA

Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill

Papal nuncio blesses new St. Vincent de Paul Society advocacy office on Capitol Hill Published in Catholic News Agency Apr 5, 2025  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA (SVdP) celebrated the opening of its brand-new advocacy office on Capitol Hill on Friday afternoon. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, attended…

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