What We Do

Feed, Clothe, House, Heal

Our Programs

In Alameda County, 325,000 people face hunger or live in poverty. Through our programs, volunteers and community partners provide direct services to those in need. Whether it's spending time in our Community Center, staying warm and safe in our shelter, or eating a hot meal in our Dining Room, people are able to meet their most basic needs five days a week at St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County. 
Emergency Shelter
St. Vincent de Paul operates a 75-bed shelter in partnership with the City of Oakland, and is open 365 days a year open to men and women. Our shelter serves dinner and breakfast to guests.
Free Dining Room
St. Vincent de Paul is committed to serving 600+ takeaway meals a day to our neighbors in Oakland, made from fresh ingredients reclaimed from local grocery stores. At our Free Dining Room, our guests can enjoy hot takeaway meals prepared by our staff and volunteers 5 days a week (Tuesday-Saturday)--everything from french toast, bacon and eggs, pizza, curry, jambalaya, roasted vegetables, sloppy Joe's, and more. 

Community Center
​Our Community Center provides a safe, warm place where our guests can relax, read, play games, do work, meet other people and access many of St. Vincent de Paul's supplementary programs. Everything from bingo, movies, back to school giveaways, nursing intakes, and job fairs to participating in holiday events hosted by staff and volunteers. 
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Community Center Hours: 9-12; 12:30-3 (Tuesday-Saturday)
Clothing Closet
At our Clothing Closet, guests can access 2 weeks of free clothing--everything from socks, underwear, shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, coats, and more with the help of our staff and volunteers.
Men's Center
At our Men's Center, guests have access to our fully equipped showers and laundry facility along with free hygiene kits and everyday necessities. 
Women's and Children's Centers
At our Women's Center, guests have access to our fully equipped showers and laundry facility along with free hygiene and feminine hygiene products. Our Children's Center provides access to infant care supplies such as diapers, formula, children's clothing, and more.
Workforce Development Program
Kitchen of Champion Culinary Job Training 'Cohort' is a full-time, 9 week workforce development program that provides culinary arts training and job placement support to prepare trainees for positions in food service industry. In the Kitchen of Champions program, students acquire basic training of professional culinary skills and commercial food service as well as personal and professional development skills. Training is offered free of charge by St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County and is available to low-income, re-entry, and at-risk individuals who face barriers to employment. 

SVdP graduates have been successfully employed by Brown Sugar Kitchen, Everett & Jones, Google Inc., Kitchen On Fire, Ms. Ollie's, Preferred Freezer, Roli Roti, Sears Outlet, and the Waterfront Hotel.  

Program Offers: 
Comprehensive entry-level culinary skills training
SERVSafe Food Handler Certificate
$50/day stipend
Job search and placement support
Presentations and demos by culinary industry experts and other professionals
Field trips to local culinary events and food-services businesses
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For more information and application forms, contact us via email or by phone at (510)-593-6300

Community Center

​"I really appreciate the vegetables and salads and fruits they serve here at St. Vincent de Paul...At Thanksgiving they had music. I really appreciate that." ​

Food Assistance


​Hot Lunch 5 days a week
Food Locker


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Workforce Development

Workforce Training
Kitchen of Champions
Job Placement Support
Professional Development Support