St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Good Shepherd Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is the local parish arm of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul charitable organization founded in 1833. Our mission is to provide aid to those suffering from dire need and catastrophic circumstances and prevent them from becoming homeless.
What areas do we serve?
Good Shepherd Conference of St. Vincent de Paul is limited to individuals living in our geographical boundaries. Applicants residing outside these boundaries are referred to the Conference in their area.
What type of aid do we provide?
The Good Shepherd Conference provides one-time financial assistance to help those in need regain solid footing. This assistance can take the form of rental, utility, food, and transportation assistance. Any funds provided are made directly payable to service providers (such as utility companies, landlords, etc.) rather than to the applicant. We do not discriminate on the basis of creed, national origin, immigration status, race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. Our only criteria for determining assistance are need and the effectiveness of our aid in helping the applicant regain solid footing.
How does our assistance program work?
Applicants call the Parish Center and request assistance. A member of the St Vincent de Paul Ministry contacts the applicant within 24 hours to obtain preliminary information. A Visit by two members of the Ministry is scheduled to meet the applicant at their home (or elsewhere if the applicant does not have a home) to determine their needs. After the members report back to the Group, a decision is made whether to provide assistance, how much, and in what form.
How many applicants do we help each year?
Although numbers vary from year to year, we provided financial assistance to 34 individuals or families in the 2014/2015 fiscal year.
How do we receive funds to provide assistance?
Our financial assistance is dependent on donations we receive from individuals. We do not receive any money from the Government or the Archdiocese. All Members of the Good Shepherd Conference are unpaid volunteers.
How else do we help?
We organize three to four ‘Bundle Sundays’ each year. A St. Vincent de Paul truck picks up donated items from the Good Shepherd parking lot and delivers them to the L.A. Society’s Thrift Store downtown, where they are sorted and sold to raise money for various charity programs. Receipts are provided for tax purposes. If you would like to schedule a St. Vincent de Paul truck to pick up donated items at your home, please call (323) 224-6282 or (800) 974-3571. Please call one week to 10 days in advance.
How can I donate?
Donations are tax deductible and may be placed year-round in the black/silver St. Vincent de Paul boxes on either side of the church entrance near the confessionals, in designated St. Vincent de Paul envelopes available in the pews or mailed to the Parish Center at 504 N. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
How can I get involved?
New Members are always welcome. The Good Shepherd Conference meets at 6:30pm one weekday evening every month at the Parish Center. If you are interested in joining this Ministry, please email stvincentdepaul@gsbh.org.