From Paris in 1833 to Houston area in 1871Founder, Frederic Ozanam

In 1833, a 19-year-old college student and his friends began serving the poor in Paris, France. This was the beginning of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Today, there are more than 400,000 members serving in 133 countries around the globe.

The Society came to the United States in 1845 and a conference was formed in St. Louis, Missouri. The first presence of the Society in the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston began in 1871. There are 61 Conferences in the Archdiocesan Council involving more than 1,800 members in spiritual growth, friendship and service to the poor. In 2010, over 435,000 services totaling $5.9 million were provided to our friends in need. We distributed $2.5 million worth of food; provided $2.5 million in rent and utility assistance; offered $445,000 worth of clothing; and distributed $223,000 worth of furniture and appliances.

For more information on how you can help us help others contact pura.sasntangelo@svdphouston.org