History of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was founded in Paris in 1833, by a young French student, Frédéric Ozanam, to confront his city's devastating poverty. Inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th century French priest who had an untiring commitment to serving the poor, Ozanam's mission was clear - help the needy on a one-to-one basis and "accomplish through charity what justice alone cannot do." Compassion in action was the heart of Frederic Ozanam’s spirituality.

Today, the Society is a network of charity in 142 countries. The first San Mateo County St. Vincent de Paul Conference was founded in 1931 at Holy Angels Parish in Colma. Currently, there are 31 parish based Conferences and 3 Homeless Help Center Conferences.  Approximately 1,200 Vincentian volunteers offer emergency aid to all areas of San Mateo County.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of San Mateo County provides basic survival necessities, offers nourishment to the hungry and distributes critical financial support and resources. Homelessness prevention is a primary focus in eliminating suffering. SVdP provides employment for the marginalized, ministers to victims and the incarcerated, and houses previously incarcerated women in a safe home. 

Aid is given regardless of age, gender, race or creed.  
Last year, 40,000 distinct individuals were served in San Mateo County, including 19,000 children.