The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul,
winner of the award for the best track record in social causes
The judging panel for the Award for the Entity with the Best Track Record in Social Causes valued both the long history of this organization and its extensive geographical presence, in more than 150 countries. These achievements are the result of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s firm commitment to solidarity and support for the most vulnerable people around the world.
What is the International Society of Saint Vincent de Paul?
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) was founded in France on April 23, 1833, when a group of seven young university students decided to take action against social inequality and injustice.
Since then, the SSVP has continued to grow and expand its presence, and today it is present in more than 150 countries, with 800,000 members and 1,500,000 volunteers. It helps more than 30 million people every day.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s social programs
The international Society of Saint Vincent de Paul runs a wide range of social programs tailored to the specific needs of each country and each group of people it serves.
SSVP undertakes comprehensive humanitarian work ranging from assisting people living in poverty by distributing food, clothing, and financial aid, to providing temporary shelter and support to those facing homelessness. It also promotes educational and vocational training programs to improve job opportunities for young people and adults, while providing medical care, mental health services, and support for people with disabilities.
Its work also includes caring for the elderly through nursing homes and day centers, and actively responding to emergencies and natural disasters by providing rapid assistance. The organization also focuses on the inclusion of marginalized people, like immigrants and refugees, facilitating their integration by providing personalized support and guidance.
Soup kitchens run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
The soup kitchens run by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul are welcoming spaces where users receive healthy, balanced, and decent meals in a respectful and inclusive environment.
But the SSVP’s work does not stop at ensuring adequate nutrition. The association supports its beneficiaries, especially homeless people, through a wide network of social programs that address their most urgent needs, in shelters, day centers, temporary housing, and so on. In addition to providing food, hygiene, clothing, and housing, it encourages training and personal development initiatives that pave the way to a more dignified future.
The SSVP is an active member of the FAMVIN Homeless Alliance and takes part in the 13 Houses Campaign, a global initiative with an ambitious goal: to transform the lives of 10,000 homeless people in 156 countries within 3 to 5 years.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul’s work in education and inclusion
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul firmly believes that education and inclusion are paths to personal growth. That is why, as part of its social programs, it supports vulnerable children and young people through training workshops, school support programs, social and labor integration, and specialized child care centers.
It also develops specific programs for migrants and refugees. Depending on the problems in the country of origin, it provides basic necessities, refugee camps, integration and training programs for immigrants, legal advice, and health guidance, among other services.