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.
Purpose
Create healthy, vibrant Conferences to continuously serve the Galveston-Houston area, and
Increase the mission's impact in the at-risk and distressed communities.
IMPACT IN GREATER HOUSTON
More than 2.2M of financial assistance has been provided to almost 20K 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
Impact story
Rebecca
A young, single mom reached out for assistance with her overdue rent.
Her difficulties began when her roommate, who had been contributing to the rent, moved out, leaving her to cover the entire cost.
Compounding her challenges, Rebecca's car required significant repairs that she could not afford, leading her to dispose of it.
Shortly after, she lost her job, and Vincentians successfully advocated for the removal of her late fees, bringing her account to a zero balance.
Since then, Rebecca has found a job as an assistant therapist, working with autistic children at a location accessible by bus. She is incredibly grateful for the support and kindness we have shown her.
Grant Funded 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
Conference 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 onboarded a minimum of 2 new members within the past year.
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Conduct home visits in an at-risk or distressed zip code area.
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Use CMS (Case Management System) for monthly Conference reports and home visit data.
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Conference assessment recently completed.
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Regularly submit impact stories for continuous fundraising efforts.
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Attend Formation events.