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
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
Must demonstrate operations according to the National SVdP Standards of Excellence by meeting a minimum of 6 of the following requirements:
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Is inclusive and reflective of its local community
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Meets at least twice per month and maintains attendance records
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Has a minimum of 8 active members and a full slate of officers
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Has an active, trained Spiritual Advisor
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Focuses on person‑to‑person service, including home visits, as its core work
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Actively participates in District meetings and events
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Sends members to formation and training, including Ozanam Orientation
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Submits Monthly Reports to Council and uses CMS for reporting
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Maintains a positive, ongoing relationship with parish clergy
Revitalization occurs when Conferences fail to meet standards.
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
These criteria ensure that conferences serving the underserved Galveston-Houston communities are spiritually grounded, accountable, growing, and focused on meaningful person-to-person service to neighbors in need. To qualify and maintain funding:
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Historical deficiency in financial and/or human capacity to serve the community.
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Retain a minimum of 12 active members.
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Conduct recruitment events and onboard a minimum of 2 new members.
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Conduct in-person home visits in an at-risk or distressed zip code area.
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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.
Chelse’s Story: From Crisis to Stability
When a young mother called 211, she was on the brink of losing her apartment, which was close to the hospital she worked in. Her car had been broken for months, and she was relying on the Houston public transit system. When her child became fatally ill, she had to take off of work for several days, and the bills began to accumulate.
The zip code area she lived in was served by a St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Vincentians scheduled the home visit immediately. Upon arrival, they prayed with Chelse, assessed her needs, and got to work contacting the leasing company and utilities company.
Thanks to the Underserved Communities Program, they brought her rental account balance to zero! 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?