Underserved Communities
Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see
ultimately shapes our actions as ONE Society.
The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021, leveraging data from the
The Distressed Communities Index measures the economic well-being of U.S. communities.
A grant funding program for Conferences was launched in May 2022 to illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston area.
This funding 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.
Organization Purpose
Increase impact by increasing the number of healthy, vibrant Conferences with dedicated members serving at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston-Houston area.
IMPACT
More than 3.1M of financial assistance has been provided to over 17K people in
at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston-Houston area.
CHILDREN
>7K prevented from being unhoused and displaced
UTILITIES
> 5K remained connected
SENIORS
>1K with extremely low incomes prevented from becoming unhoused
Portfolio of Conferences
Holy Family - Galveston
St. Albert - Fondren/ Southwest
St. Ambrose - Northside
St. Frances De Sales - Sharpstown
St. Hyacinth - Deer Park
St. Mary Purification - Third Ward
St. Monica - Acres Homes
St. Patrick - Kashmere Gardens
St. Philip Neri - Sunnyside
St. Thomas the Apostle - Huntsville
St. Thomas Aquinas - Alief
St. Thomas More - Westbury
Grant Requirements
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Historical deficiency in financial and/or human capacity to serve the community.
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Have a minimum of 12 active members conducting 2 Conference meetings each month.
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Conduct recruitment events and onboard a minimum of 2 new members within the grant cycle.
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Conduct in-person home visits in at-risk or distressed zip code areas.
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Use CMS (Case Management System) for monthly reports and home visit data.
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Conference assessment completed in the past 3 years.
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Submit monthly impact stories for continuous fundraising efforts.
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Attend Formation events.
Rebecca’s Story: From Crisis to Stability—Thanks to Your Support
When Rebecca, a young single mother, called 211, she was on the brink of losing her home. Her struggles began when her roommate moved out, leaving her solely responsible for rent. Then, her car broke down beyond repair, and shortly after, she lost her job. With no transportation and mounting bills, Rebecca faced an impossible situation.
That’s when Vincentians stepped in. Through a compassionate home visit, we prayed with Rebecca and assessed her needs. Thanks to the Underserved Communities Program, we were able to bring her rental account balance to zero —giving her the fresh start she desperately needed.
Today, Rebecca’s story is one of hope. She secured a new job as an assistant therapist, helping autistic children at a location accessible by public transit. She is deeply grateful for the St. Vincent de Paul kindness and support that changed her life.
Your generosity makes stories like Rebecca’s possible. Every dollar you give helps a family move from crisis to stability and restores dignity and hope. Will you join us in transforming lives today?