Embedded in Depaul USA’s logo are the words, “Homelessness has no place.” The nonprofit was founded 15 years ago, and Executive Director Chuck Levesque has served as executive director nearly all of that time. He stressed that, as its name implies, it is firmly grounded in Vincentian values as it strives to address homelessness. As a valued member of the Vincentian family, Depaul USA often works hand-in-hand with the Congregation of the Mission.

For instance, in the past year, the Congregation of the Mission Western Province has provided funding for two of Depaul USA’s programs in St. Louis and Los Angeles through the Walking with the Poor grant program (see adjoining stories), and he listed numerous collaborations with Vincentian clergy.

“We are also working with Fr. Gary Mueller (Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in LA) to brainstorm on other programs for that neighborhood,” Chuck said. “Fr. J. Patrick Murphy (in Chicago) delivers Vincentian values training for our staff. Fr. Toshio Sato (in St. Louis) performed the blessing for St. Michael’s House, which was a wonderful experience. There are many threads to this relationship.”

Depaul USA was formed in Philadelphia in 2009 as an affiliate of Depaul International Group with one program designed to help men transition from homelessness. Today, the organization is based in Chicago and operates 23 programs in 10 cities across the country, including day centers, health clinics, permanent housing, housing for college students, medical respite housing, and more with additional programs in the works.

“The Vincentian charism can be applied to all kinds of work,” he said.

For more information, visit www.depaulusa.org.

This article was initially published in the March 2024 issue of our quarterly newsletter, The Vincentian.

Source: https://www.vincentian.org/