Catholics Across Houston Gathered to Support Sunnyside on Feb. 28, as St. Francis Xavier Church Reinstates Its St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference to Fight Housing Instability

Members of the Catholic community from across Houston gathered in Sunnyside as St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church commissioned its newly reestablished St. Vincent de Paul Society conference on February 28. The commissioning marked the launch of a new parish initiative to provide emergency housing and utility assistance to neighbors in this rapidly gentrifying community. The commissioning service took place during the church’s 5:00 p.m. Mass and represents a significant step in St. Francis Xavier’s expanding commitment to the surrounding historically Black, under resourced neighborhood. As gentrification accelerates and economic conditions soften, housing instability has increased, with rents rising faster than household incomes.

“Houston is facing a growing poverty crisis, with alarming rates of hunger and evictions, and the community surrounding St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is especially vulnerable,” said the very Rev. Father Michael L. Thompson, pastor of the parish. “In recent months, we have witnessed an inspiring labor of love, as Catholics from across Houston have banded together and taken collective action to ensure that our neighbors can meet their most basic needs.”

The reestablished St. Vincent de Paul Society conference at St. Francis Xavier Church aims to provide emergency financial assistance to individuals and families facing eviction, utility shutoffs, and other urgent financial hardships. Through prayer, service, and personal accompaniment, conference members are committed to offering compassionate, practical support. Official operations are scheduled to begin in April, with funding supported through donations and grant opportunities.

Representatives from other Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences throughout the region attended the commissioning service in a show of solidarity and support. These experienced Vincentians, who are engaged in similar efforts across the city, have played a vital role in mentoring the new conference members, guiding them through extensive training required to conduct confidential home visits and responsibly distribute emergency aid.

“The reestablishment of this conference is a powerful sign of hope for the Sunnyside community,” said Bob Miller, District President for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “The Vincentians at St. Francis Xavier have demonstrated extraordinary dedication in preparing for this ministry and are now well equipped to serve neighbors with compassion, accountability, and respect for their dignity.”

Through home visits, Vincentians build personal relationships with those they serve — listening to their stories, responding to immediate crises, and offering encouragement and hope. The newly commissioned conference will collaborate closely with existing Vincentian networks across Houston to ensure effective outreach and responsible stewardship of resources.

“Sunnyside is a community that is sustained by decent folks whose strength, generosity, and grit define the community far more than its challenges," said Erica Smith, president of the St. Francis Xavier's Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference. "With the support and guidance of our fellow Vincentians across the city, we are preparing to respond to the critical needs by offering not only financial assistance, but also understanding, prayer, and hope.”  

“This occasion is the fruit of silent prayer and a seed planted back in 2023. It stands as a testament that God hears every prayer and answers in His perfect time. What we are witnessing on February 28th is not only the commissioning of a conference, but the fulfillment of grace that has been quietly growing for years.” — Val Senegal, Executive Director