Community Resources
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Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international voluntary organization in the Catholic Church, founded in 1833 for the sanctification of its members by personal service of the poor. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers serve as the "last mile" in bringing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to individuals, families, and communities beyond our Bloomington borders. We work to alleviate poverty through many assistance programs. For more than 50 years, the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at Saint Bonaventure has fed, clothes, and cared for its Twin Cities neighbors in need. Contact: 612-323-7391 or svdp_sb@yahoo.com |
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Emergency Assistance and Home Visits
When people are most vulnerable: when the eviction notice arrives, the heat is disconnected, or despair over loss is overwhelming, St. Vincent de Paul members hear the call and act. Home visits allow people to share their struggles and find solutions. Whether the need is material, financial, or a connection to other resources, trained volunteers work to resolve the issue on a personal level. Meeting neighbors where they are physically, emotionally, and spiritually, with love and purpose, is a hallmark of the home visit. Food Shelf
The St. Vincent de Paul Society tirelessly battles food insecurity. The food shelf has served hundreds of thousands with quality food for over a half-century. Based on a healthy food format, the food shelf distributes fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. Items are limited and may vary by availability. Households may visit the food shelf twice each month. No appointment is necessary—drive-up distribution. When: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Thursdays from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Where: Drive-up Distribution in Activities Building (Drive up in the church's south parking lot, and a volunteer will meet you at your car.) Next Step Program
Escaping the cycle of poverty is neither simple or straightforward. St. Vincent de Paul's Next Step mentor program matches a volunteer coach with anyone seeking a way out of poverty. With a clear goal of financial self-sufficiency, a client and coach identify needs, aspirations, and skills to develop a personal action plan. Mentors commit to providing support, guidance, and encouragement while clients complete the work needed to succeed. Short and long-term objectives may include education, certification, interview prep, job training, budgeting, and launching a small business. Whatever the path, Next Step relationships celebrate the love and mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Saint Bonaventure. |
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St. Anthony’s Bread
Saint Anthony of Padua was known for his extraordinary love for feeding the hungry – those who hungered spiritually and physically. We believe no person should be hungry in our community. Please take this bread as a gift of Christian hospitality and in devotion to the great Franciscan Saint Anthony. When: Anytime Where: Shelf located in the North entryway of the church (Door 5) |