FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2024

PHOENIX, AZ – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) USA is set to host its National Assembly from August 14 – 17 in Phoenix, Arizona. Every year, this event brings together hundreds of Vincentian volunteers and leaders from across the country to champion the work done for those in need.

The National Assembly will see representation from the organization’s 4,000 local chapters across the country, many of which are planning to attend. “The theme this year is Adapt to a Changing World,” said John Berry, National President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “And with a changing world, we are reminded of the need for us as members to exchange best practices, engage in spiritual formation, and devise strategies to combat poverty and support communities.”

SVdP USA is proud to host this year’s gathering in Phoenix and to highlight the successful work of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Phoenix in supporting the needs of thousands in the area. SVdP Phoenix serves as a leading example of the impactful work being done by Vincentians across the country. In 2023, its medical, dental, and family wellness clinics recorded 18,700 visits, offering care regardless of insurance status or the ability to pay. Every day, it serves 7,000 meals through four charity dining rooms and partner organizations. Additionally, last year SVdP Phoenix distributed $7.14 million in rent and utility assistance, helping families avoid the brink of poverty.

“We are pleased to welcome all visiting Vincentian volunteers to the Phoenix area,” said Shannon Clancy, the Rob & Melani Walton Endowed CEO of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Phoenix and one of the Assembly’s keynote speakers. “I believe that people carrying out the work of the Society across the nation can benefit from time spent together. We all face unique circumstances in our given communities, but spending a few days joined in hope and learning can re-energize us and better prepare us when we return to serve the people in our areas.”

The Assembly will feature an array of workshops, a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist & author Nicholas Kristof, and an inspiring spiritual retreat led by Archbishop Andrew Bellisario. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour SVdP Phoenix’s renowned Main Campus and the nationally acclaimed SVdP thrift store in Avondale. These tours will showcase the innovative ways Vincentians serve their communities and raise funds to support SVdP’s programs.

One pressing topic that affects all Americans and the work of SVdP volunteers is the nation’s growing homelessness crisis. The recent Supreme Court ruling in the Johnson v. Grants Pass shows the country is struggling with how to care for the needs of this community. Now more than ever, SVDP’s role in homelessness prevention has become even more relevant. While legislative action alone will not solve homelessness, the organization emphasizes that its comprehensive approach, which includes rent assistance programs with an outlay of over $60 million, is essential in providing immediate and lasting support to those on the edge of homelessness.

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The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need. Since its founding in Paris in 1833, the Society has grown to 800,000 members in over 150 countries with 1,500,000 volunteers. Vincentians understand that service to a neighbor in need is an opportunity to see the face of Christ in those we serve, while striving to be the face of Christ for our neighbors in need. Vincentians offer tangible assistance to those in need on a person-to-person basis through a variety of works, including food pantries, rental assistance, disaster relief, thrift stores, charitable pharmacies, and more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Jill Pioter
National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
66 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63043
phone (314) 576-3993, ext. 204
jpioter@svdpusa.org