FAQs

No work of charity is foreign to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those in need. We offer tangible assistance through person-to-person contact and spiritual services through prayer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
A: Established in France in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international organization established by Frederic Ozanam, a law student at the Sorbonne University. Named after St. Vincent de Paul, the patron saint of Christian charity, the Society was founded to alleviate human suffering and aid the poor in meeting their basic needs.

Q: What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County?
A: St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County (SVdP) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was established in 1944 to improve the lives of needy people in our local community.

Q: Whom do you help?
A: SVdP helps anyone in need of assistance, regardless of race, creed or origin. The people we assist include the homeless, elderly, sick, economically disadvantaged and working poor.

Q: How do you help people?
A: SVdP operates four social services programs that assist thousands of people per year in meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, refuge and health care. These programs also provide services such as substance abuse support, legal assistance and employment training, helping the people we serve to increase their self-sufficiency.

SVdP also coordinates a network of more than 800 volunteers. Known as Vincentians, volunteers are organized by Catholic parishes and provide direct support to neighbors in need in virtually every corner of Alameda County. Some of the services volunteers coordinate include: food pantries, emergency shelter and financial assistance (i.e. one-time rental assistance for a family facing eviction). Vincentians also make home visits, providing solace and support for the elderly, sick and other people at risk of isolation.

Please refer to our services page for more information.

Q: How do I volunteer?
A. We love volunteers! SVdP has openings for individuals and groups to work on a one-time or ongoing basis. Please refer to our volunteer page for a list of current opportunities. Check back regularly for updates!

Q: How can I make a financial contribution?
You can either donate online or you can send a check to:
St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County
Attn: Development Department
9235 San Leandro Street
Oakland, CA 94603

If you would like to designate your gift to support a particular program, please include this information with your donation.

Q: How can I donate goods?
A: You may send an email or call (510) 638-7600 to schedule a donations pickup. Alternately, you may drop off your donation at SVdP’s Oakland headquarters or at our thrift stores Also, please be sure to check out our wish list and a list of items that we do and do not accept.

Q: How can I receive assistance?
A: If you need assistance, please click here for a list of services we provide. Our contact page lists the addresses and hours of operation for each of our programs. You may also call the nearest Catholic church in your neighborhood for assistance from Vincentian volunteers.