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← back to homepage July 2025 July 2025 July 2025 July 2025 Annual Black Bag Collection DONATE NOW ABOUT Your Support in Action $12.5M direct aid given in 2024 118,100 individuals served in 2024 10 counties served across Galveston-Houston area About the Black Bag Collection In 1833, our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and the original members realized they needed money to fund their good works of charity. Because the giving capacity of the members varied, they decided to pass around a simple black bag so that each member could give what they could afford to give. Today, we continue this tradition. We ask for your generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need. How to Donate All parishes in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will hold a special collection on the weekend of July 12-13, 2025 . You can also donate online , by phone, or by mailing a check to our office. PHONE Please call 832-538-0325 if you would like to make a gift over the phone. MAIL You may mail a check to our office! Checks made payable to "Society of St. Vincent de Paul" can be sent to: 2403 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77021. Please include "Black Bag" in the check memo. ONLINE You can donate online at: svdphouston.org/give Donate Online How will the funds be used? Despite being closely tied to the Archdiocese, the Society does not receive funding from the Diocesan Service Funds (DSF) like some of our sister organizations. The funds collected during this single month play a crucial role in the Society’s ability to provide direct financial assistance to neighbors in need, educational resiliency programs, food pantry resources, disaster relief, and so much more. Learn more Community Impact Thanks to the generosity of donors like you and the dedication of our Vincentian volunteers, together in 2024, we: Served 118,100 individuals with direct aid totaling $12.5 million Prevented homelessness for 6,300 families Kept essential utilities on for 4,600 households Provided 2.1 million meals to 24,000 families And much more! To learn more about our collective impact, please view our 2024 Community Impact Report . 2024 Community Impact Report

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving the greater Houston area since 1871. Essential elements include spirituality, friendship, and service. Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Galveston - Houston We are a volunteer organization that serves underserved communities regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, religious or political affiliations. About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a 501c3 non-profit organization established with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1871. It includes a network of more than 50 parish-based chapters, known as Conferences , with more than 1,700 volunteers, and a large food & clothing pantry network. As ONE Society, all parish-based members of the Society, known as Vincentians , synergistically collaborate with community volunteers and mission-driven organizations to make an impact in the lives of others throughout the Greater Houston area. Mission Inspired by Gospel values, we grow spiritually through person to person service to all in need in our community. Our actions promote the dignity of the person, alleviate suffering and distress, while addressing the conditions that cause them through systemic change. Vision We are a community actively living our faith by loving and providing hope to our neighbors. We envision a future where access to financial and social resources is not limited by where one lives. Essential Elements SPIRITUALITY FRIENDSHIP SERVICE Organizational Structure The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston is part of the South Central Region. Regional Structure International Council The International Council is Located in Paris, France and represents over 100 countries. National Council (U.S) National Council, located in St. Louis, Missouri, supports all Archdiocesan Council across the USA and reports to the International Council. (Arch) Diocesan Council Our Council office supports our Districts and Conferences to promote the Society's mission and reports to our National Office. District Council 7 District councils uniting and supporting our conferences. Our districts report to our Archdiocesan Council. Greater Houston Conferences We have 50+ Conferences reporting to District and Archdiocesan Council.

There are multiple ways you can support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Conveniently donate online. By check, donor-advised funds (DAF), stock, employer-matching gifts, endowments, among others. Thank you for supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul! We have all been called by God to work on a masterpiece." - Saint Vincent de Paul Legacy Giving Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service Legacy Society You know well that the incredible supporters and Vincentian volunteers of SVdP Galveston-Houston have a deep commitment to loving neighbors, spiritual service, and providing aid to those who need it most. This is evident in the growing numbers of households reached, of hands held in prayer, and of individuals like you who choose to partner with us to champion our guiding values of spirituality, friendship, and service through legacy giving. It’s so simple, as truthful and loving things usually are. Just be there—in support, in friendship— for neighbors in need. Though our days are limited, our impact can last far beyond our own lives. Our Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service recognize this and create opportunities for all people who are made in the image of God to flourish and draw near to him both now and well into the future. This is the very essence of legacy—an unbroken tradition of spirituality, friendship, and service that we were created for and that grows stronger over time. Today, I invite you to consider joining this profound and long-lasting mission as a member of our Champions of Spirituality, Friendship, and Service Legacy Society by including SVdP Galveston-Houston in your estate plans. Your lasting impact will allow this work to continue for generations and provide a brighter future for countless neighbors in need. There are several ways you can make SVdP Galveston-Houston part of your personal legacy! A special welcome gift; Recognition on website and at events; Invitations to exclusive experiences and events; An annual personal update from leadership; Opportunities to share the story and intent behind your gift. Champions Receive the Following Benefits: A special welcome gift; Recognition on website and at events; Invitations to exclusive experiences and events; An annual personal update from leadership; Opportunities to share the story and intent behind your gift. Give with confidence We understand that it is important to you that your donation is being used effectively—it is important to us, too. Our top priorities encompass prudent stewardship and accountability. Careful management of operational resources is necessary to continuously fulfill the Society's mission.

← back to homepage DONATE NOW PRAY WITH US YOUR IMPACT GET INVOLVED As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we seek to imitate Christ by freeing ourselves of unnecessary attachments, praying and fasting, and almsgiving—opening our hearts to those most in need. Many neighbors in the Galveston-Houston are hungry. They simply don’t have enough to pay the bills and put food on the table. Your Lenten gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Galveston-Houston (SVdP Houston) is a beautiful way to share our abundance with our neighbors in need. Your almsgiving recognizes Christ in our suffering neighbors. As you know, so many people in our community live with zero margin for error. Almost half of Harris County doesn’t have an extra $400 saved for an emergency. One accident, one emergency room visit, one hurricane can throw their lives into total disarray. A setback means not making rent, having utilities cut off, and having to choose between going hungry and losing their home. By making a sacrificial gift this Lent, you bring Christ’s light into the darkness of poverty and despair. You offer friendship and service to those most in need. Pray With Us Lent is a sacred time of prayer, reflection, and renewal. As we journey together through this season, we invite you to deepen your faith through prayer. Share your intentions with us, download a special Lenten prayer card, and explore resources to guide your spiritual growth. How can we pray for you? Download free Lenten prayer card Lenten resources

Membership Engagement Getting Ahead Program

Val Senegal Kirk Vogeley Daniella Marquez Board Members Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Gerardo Rivera President Deacon Charlie Buhay Spiritual Advisor Janice Chatham District 4 President Milista Anderson At-Large Member Michael Zarich Vice President Vivian Salazar District 1 President Ladd Puskus District 5 President Chase Angelle At-Large Member Ajoy Menezes Treasurer Patricia Davis District 2 President Robin Riley District 6 President Patricia Dornak At-Large Member Connie Steward Secretary Robert Miller District 3 President Yolanda Capelo District 7 President Franchelle Lee At-Large Member Council Leadership Val Senegal Chief Executive Officer Kirk Vogeley Director of Finance Sandra Achury Chief Program Officer

Underserved Communities Initiative includes a grant program for Conferences performing home visits in the at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston Houston area. Data is collected using the Case Management System. Underserved Communities Grant Program Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as a Society. The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021 leveraging data from the Distressed Communities Index , which is a tool for measuring the comparative economic well-being of U.S. commu nities. To illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston areas, a grant funding program was launched in May 2022. This funding for Conferences is designated ONLY to zip code areas identified as "at-risk" or "distressed" with the intent to prevent the number of unhoused children, families and senior citizens living on the streets of Houston. IMPACT MADE ACROSS GREATER HOUSTON More than 1.7M of financial assistance has been provided to almost 10K people in at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston Houston area. CHILDREN >5K prevented from being unhoused and displaced UTILITIES > 5K remained connected SENIORS >1K with extremely low incomes prevented from becoming unhoused 2024 Report 2023 Report Impact story Sheila A resilient parent of three sons faced heart attacks, a stroke, Crohn's disease, and hip issues. Sheila was able to manage her bills with the help of one of her sons, who lives in Texas City; however, Sheila's son faced a financial setback after contracting COVID-19 three times. Covering her own living expenses became increasingly difficult, and while on a month-to-month lease, she faced a sudden rent increase. In this critical moment, Sheila turned to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for support. After past due rent was verified by one of the Vincentians during a home visit, the Conference approved paying a portion of the unpaid rent directly to the leasing office; Shelia's son paid the remaining portion. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to provide financial assistance because of the Underserved Communities Program grant funds. Member Testimony "We are so very indebted to the donors who make these funds available. We have been blessed to be able to help so many people with financial assistance greater than what our conference can provide. Our donors should feel proud that we are making their donations count. May God Bless. " - St. Thomas More Conference President Preventing Homelessness Requires YOUR HELP Your money helps keep children, families and seniors in underserved communities remain in their homes during a financial crisis. DONATE

A portion of your purchase is donated to the Society when you shop with our community partners: AmazonSmile, iGive, Kroger, Randalls, and Charity Choice, Make A Difference Link your Kroger's shopper card with Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston or by using number - IM 073. Purchase a gift card or an eCard with the amount you wish to donate. Select Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese Galveston Houston You receive a 100% tax deductible letter. Purchase Gift Card Link your Randall's shopper card with Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston. Add iGive app to your desktop. Up to 3% of purchase can be donated to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. Start Shopping

The Society is an international organization founded in 1833 in Paris, France. It was locally established in 1871 in Galveston, TX. History In 1833, a 20-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 777,000 members serving in 149 countries around the globe. The Society arrived in the United States in 1845, where the first conference was formed in St. Louis, Missouri. The first presence of the Society in the Galveston-Houston area was in 1871 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galveston. Today, there are 58 Conferences in the Galveston-Houston Council with more than 1,900 members growing spiritually through friendship and service to those in need. Timeline (1871-2021) Our Patrons & Founders The Society's Patron Saint St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Confraternities of Charity, and Ladies of Charity. He was a man of deep faith, keen intellect, and enormous creativity, he has become known as the "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor." His contributions to the training of priests and organizing parish missions and other services for the poor shaped our Church's role in the modern world. St. Vincent de Paul Feast day is September 27th. The Society's Sister St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) had St. Vincent de Paul as her spiritual director. Her inherent desire to know and accomplish God's will blossomed into a life of ministry to those who were sick and destitute. Her contagious spirituality and strong, organizational ability led her to co-found with Vincent the Daughters of Charity, a group of sisters who serve the poor and who inspire our Society. St. Louise de Marillac Feast day is May 9th. The Society's Founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853) founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a young Sorbonne student who met regularly with his fellow Catholic students to discuss the issues of their time. At one of their public meetings, a challenger admitted the Catholic Church, at one time, had been a great source of good, but asked, “What is your Church doing now?… Show us your works and we will believe you.” Unable to respond, Frédéric conceded. Shortly afterward, Frédéric and six friends created the Conference of Charity, with the purpose of serving the poor of Paris. Frédéric and his friends provided food, clothing, shelter, financial, and spiritual help. They also established tutoring programs and libraries. Blessed Frederic's Feast day is September 9th. The Society's Mentor Blessed Rosalie Rendu, DC (1786 - 1856) was a Daughter of Charity who served for 54 years in the Mouffetard area, the most impoverished district of Paris. Emmanuel Bailly, the President of the Society, sent the founding members of the Society to Sister Rosalie for guidance and direction. Sending them on home visits, she formed them in the spirit of St. Vincent, teaching them how to serve the poor with respect and compassion. Blessed Rosalie's Feast day is February 7th.

Please join us in providing emergency relief to our most vulnerable neighbors in critical need across the Galveston-Houston area affected by Hurricane Beryl and recent weather changes, including severe storms, derecho winds, tornadoes, and flooding events. ← back to homepage