About us
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) is an international lay Catholic organization whose purpose is to minister to people in need, making no distinctions of creed, ethnic or social background, health gender or political opinions. The basic unit of the SSVP is the conference which is a group of people usually based in a Catholic parish. Conference members are called Vincentians. There are 19 active conferences in Ottawa currently.
The members of these conferences serve people in need in their neighbourhoods. Vincentians often serve people in need by visiting them in their homes upon their request, providing basic necessities such as vouchers for food, clothing and household needs. Some conferences operate soup kitchens or food cupboards to help people in need cope with food insecurity.
As well, Vincentians work to discover and redress situations of social injustice that cause poverty, suffering and need. They advocate for changes in social systems to reduce inequality so that all citizens can live in health and dignity.
Ottawa Central Council Projects :
The Ottawa Central Council (OCC) of the Society of St- Vincent de Paul has formed a partnership with the Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) to build a housing complex, called the Anchor, to be located at 7 Rossland Avenue in Nepean. Through various fundraising activities, the OCC aims to raise sufficient funds to cover the down payments of 4-6 apartments for Indigenous and Inuit families in need. Studies have shown that Indigenous and Inuit people are overrepresented in the homeless population in Ottawa. This is also in keeping with the Diocese’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation.
The down payments on these apartments will help to lower rental fees so they can be equal to the shelter allowances provided by the Ontario social assistance programs. Tenants will then be able to use their basic needs allowances for food, clothing, transportation and other needs. The SSVP will provide ongoing support to those tenants according to its mission.
The high cost of housing is the biggest single drain on the finances of low-income people. When their housing is affordable, people can pay for other basic necessities such as food, clothing, health needs and transportation. They can then achieve health and dignity, and participate more fully in the life of the community with employment and education. Affordable housing is an investment in the future of our community.
Thrift Stores
The Ottawa Central Council operates three thrift stores which provide clothing, household needs and furniture at low cost or sometimes at no cost to people who need them. These stores operate as social enterprises, and all profits are used to further the work of the Society in the Ottawa community.
North of 60
Every year, a special committee mobilises Catholic churches and schools to collect food to help feed our food insecure brothers and sisters in Nunavut. Two large sea containers are sent to the far north. This North of 60 project operates as part of an outreach initiative of the SSVP, which involves several other communities across Canada.
Centre Espoir Sophie (Sophie Hope Centre)
Although this is a Francophone drop-in centre, the doors are open to all vulnerable women providing them with a safe environment to gather for fellowship and community. Counsellors are available to help and support women to make decisions for their future. The centre provides take-out meals, showers and laundry services for women who need them. As well, women have access to computers and referral to other community services.
Get involved
There are many ways that people can get involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul:
Home visitors belong to a conference and will respond to requests for help from people, who need help with basic needs. Home visitors may be full members of the Society or auxiliary members.
Store volunteers support the staff in the stores with sorting incoming products and keeping the store environment clean and welcoming. The stores welcome high school students who wish to complete their volunteer requirements for high school graduation.
Advocacy committee: The Society seeks social and economic justice for all, and it welcomes people who have advocacy and government relations skills. A guaranteed basic income, safe affordable secure housing and pharmacare are among the causes for which the Society advocates.
Can anyone become a Vincentian?
Vincentians are drawn from every cultural, ethnic and religious group. They take part in gatherings and meetings to organize and administer assistance wherever it is needed.
Full member: Any person of good will, desirous of living their faith by loving and serving the poor and of participating in the meetings and activities of the Society may become a full member. Only the president, vice president and spiritual advisor must be practising Catholics.
Auxiliary member: Any person, whether Catholic or not, who accepts the Society’s principles may become an auxiliary member. Auxiliary members may or may not have contact with the poor, may attend meetings if they wish but may not vote and they may not run for office.
For further information:
contact bernie-on-ca-ssvp@rogers.com