OUR MISSION
Our mission is to offer hope and service on a direct person-to-person basis, working to break the cycles of homelessness and domestic violence.
ABOUT US
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco is a community-driven organization dedicated serving many of our most vulnerable neighbors. Founded in 1860 as part of a global movement inspired by the charitable spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, we provide shelter, support, and hope to people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.
Guided by compassion and hope, we work alongside individuals and families to help them regain stability, dignity, and a path toward a better future.
Our Values
At the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco, we believe in compassion, dignity, and respect for every person. We serve with empathy and humility, recognizing the humanity in everyone who walks through our doors.
Inspired by the example of St. Vincent de Paul, we are committed to helping people in crisis feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward. Our work is grounded in community and a deep belief in the power of hope.
Our Impact
Every day, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco helps over 500 individuals facing homelessness and intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, by meeting them where they are. Through our shelters and support programs, we provide safe places to sleep, nutritious meals, and compassionate care.
For survivors of domestic violence, we offer specialized services and shelter to ensure their safety and healing. Beyond meeting immediate needs, we walk alongside individuals to help them find hope and rebuild their lives. Our work is made possible by dedicated supporters and volunteers who bring their time, talents, and treasure to support our community.
Our History
The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam, a university student inspired by the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and guided by Sister Rosalie Rendu. Rooted in person-to-person service and compassion for the poor, the Society has grown into a global movement with nearly one million members, known as Vincentians, serving those in need around the world.
Established in 1860, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco continues this legacy by currently supporting over 500 individuals each day, including those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence.
Our Vision
We envision a San Francisco where everyone has a safe place to call home and the support they need to thrive. A community free from homelessness, domestic violence, and poverty. A place where compassion drives action, and every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco strives to create lasting change that empowers people to rebuild their lives and build brighter futures.
HISTORY
Almost one million people around the world are members of the Society
They often call themselves “Vincentians,” in tribute to St. Vincent de Paul. What they all have in common is a desire to serve poor and suffering people – the homeless, the sick, the lonely, and the elderly. Vincentians deliver food, purchase personal care items, provide transportation, and assist in many other ways. As members of local parishes, they perform their charity in parish groups known as “Conferences.” Today, there are over 350 active Vincentians in San Francisco who serve in 31 parish Conferences and 2 youth grammar school Conferences. They all actively support the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco programs.
The founding of St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco
Local church members begin making visits to the homes of poor and sick residents throughout San Francisco, distributing food, clothing, and medicine. They call themselves “St. Vincent followers” or “Vincentians” after St. Vincent de Paul.
The first St. Vincent Conference
The first St. Vincent ConferenceIn the decades following the California Gold Rush, San Francisco experiences rapid growth, but lacks dependable social welfare programs. Under the Archbishop’s counsel, Vincentians in San Francisco formalize their mission to aid and support poor and orphaned children in the city.
Switching Gears
Switching GearsWith thousands of San Franciscans left homeless in the aftermath of the infamous 1906 Earthquake, SVDP-SF takes in hundreds of orphaned children and begins placing many into foster families.
Emergence of The Society’s Thrift Stores
Emergence of The Society’s Thrift StoresThe St. Vincent de Paul Salvage Bureau begins collection and distribution of donated clothes and household items, and the first “resale store” for salvaged goods opens.
Fundraising during the Great Depression
Fundraising during the Great DepressionWhile the entire country experiences unprecedented economic hardships, Vincentians collect donations to help feed and accommodate San Francisco’s rising homeless, unemployed, and transient populations.
Special Works during World War II
The Society sends Vincentians to the Naval Training Station on “Goat Island,” now known as Treasure Island to provide prayer books, musical entertainment, and assist servicemen in writing letters to loved ones.
Mid-Century Expansion
Mid-Century ExpansionAs the need for its services continues to grow in the wake of World War II, the Society relocates its center of operations to Mission Street and launches a second men’s shelter at 236 Natoma Street.
Treating Alcoholism
Treating AlcoholismSVDP-SF opens an alcohol treatment center on Howard Street, becoming one of few facilities tending to single men and homeless alcoholics in the South of Market District. First encounter with future activist and advocate Frank Brennan, founder of “Seven Seas Home” for alcoholics and the homeless, and namesake of the Brennan Award and Brennan House.
Introducing the Ozanam Center
Introducing the Ozanam CenterThe Society revamps the Ozanam Center, nicknamed “The Oz,” into a drug and alcohol detoxification center located on 1175 Howard Street.
Pioneer in the Domestic Violence Movement
Pioneer in the Domestic Violence MovementThe ranks of women in SVDP-SF grow steadily, and services expands to include protection of survivors of domestic violence. The society opens emergency shelter, Rosalie House, to better accommodate women and children.
City Contractor
City officials take a more proactive role in addressing homelessness, partnering with SVDP-SF to operate the largest public homeless shelter in San Francisco. Today, it is known as the Multi-Service Center South.
Growing the Riley Center
Growing the Riley CenterBrennan House opens as a transitional housing shelter for long-term clients rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic abuse. Four years later, the Riley Center Community Office is established to offer more detailed services to domestic violence survivors and their children.
Community Collaboration
Community CollaborationThe Society engages in new and inventive fundraising activities with Bay Area partners. Programs include the “Discarded to Divine” fashion show and auction at the de Young Museum, and the “Friends of the Poor Walk” in Lake Merced alongside various councils and local businesses.
Support from the Tech Sector
Support from the Tech SectorEmployees and executives from nearby tech companies such as Twitter and Dropbox (whose offices are only blocks away) give back by volunteering at SVDP-SF facilities such as the MSC-South homeless shelter.
Pier 80
Pier 80SVDP-SF successfully opens the city-endorsed “Pier 80” emergency shelter in response to concerns for the homeless during El Nino storms.
A New Chapter
A New ChapterAdministration and Riley Center offices relocate and reopen in a newly renovated building at 1175 Howard Street. SVDP-SF continues to lead the city in comprehensive social services for San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or social status.