DePaul International is a charitable organization that traces its origins back to 1989 when it was founded to address homelessness, inspired by the values and legacy of St. Vincent de Paul. With a global network of services operating across the UK, Ireland, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Croatia, and the USA, DePaul International’s mission is to support some of the most vulnerable individuals in society by offering not only shelter but also the tools to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.

The Founding of DePaul International

DePaul International’s foundation in 1989 was inspired by the Vincentian tradition of service to the poor, specifically those marginalized by homelessness. St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century Catholic priest, dedicated his life to caring for the poor and abandoned. His work laid the foundation for many charitable organizations worldwide, including DePaul International, which adopted his values of dignity, service, and solidarity with the poor.

The formation of DePaul International was a response to the growing crisis of homelessness in the UK, where the first DePaul charity began its work. It was initially set up by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Passage Day Centre, with strong support from Cardinal Basil Hume, the Archbishop of Westminster at the time. The organization was born out of the need to provide more focused and effective support for those experiencing homelessness, particularly young people who were falling through the cracks of traditional social services.

Mission, Vision, and Values

DePaul International is guided by a clear and unwavering mission: “We exist to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.” This mission statement encapsulates the organization’s focus on both immediate relief and long-term transformation. Homelessness is not only a lack of shelter but also a symptom of deeper societal issues such as poverty, mental health struggles, addiction, and systemic inequalities. DePaul International aims to address these root causes through a holistic approach that combines emergency aid with ongoing support for individuals to achieve independence.

The vision of DePaul International is a world in which everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. The organization works towards this vision by providing practical support to those in need, advocating for systemic change, and empowering homeless individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and self-respect.

The values that drive DePaul International are rooted in the Vincentian principles of compassion, respect, and service on behalf of the most vulnerable. These values emphasize seeing the person behind the problem and offering support that is tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. The organization believes in the potential for change in every person, regardless of their past, and works to foster an environment of trust, safety, and empowerment.

Global Presence and Work

DePaul International operates in seven countries: the UK, Ireland, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Croatia, and the USA. In each of these regions, the organization adapts its programs to meet the specific needs of the local homeless population, recognizing that the causes and manifestations of homelessness can vary widely from country to country.

1. United Kingdom: DePaul UK is the founding arm of DePaul International and remains one of its most active branches. It provides emergency accommodation, support services, and formation to help homeless people, particularly young individuals, transition from crisis to independence. One of DePaul UK’s flagship programs is “Nightstop,” which offers safe and immediate overnight accommodation to young people at risk of homelessness. This service operates through a network of volunteer hosts, providing a temporary place to stay in a safe and supportive environment.
2. Ireland: DePaul Ireland works closely with government agencies and other charities to provide housing and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. One of its core focuses is on harm reduction, particularly in dealing with issues of addiction among the homeless population. Through tailored services, DePaul Ireland supports individuals in making positive choices about their health, housing, and future.
3. France: DePaul France aims to address the issue of limited access to healthcare and hygiene services, which is a significant challenge for people sleeping on the streets. They focus their efforts in Paris and its suburbs, as well as in Avignon.
4. Slovakia: In Slovakia, DePaul International is a major provider of services to homeless people in the country’s capital, Bratislava. The organization operates shelters, drop-in centers, and outreach programs that provide essential services such as food, medical care, and warm clothing to those living on the streets. A unique aspect of DePaul Slovakia’s work is its focus on integrating homeless individuals back into society through employment programs and social reintegration initiatives.
5. Ukraine: DePaul Ukraine operates in a country that has faced significant social and economic challenges in recent years, exacerbated by conflict and displacement. The organization provides critical services to individuals and families who have been displaced by the war, as well as those experiencing chronic homelessness. In addition to shelter and food, DePaul Ukraine offers legal advice, psychological support, and vocational training to help people regain their independence.
6. Croatia: In Croatia, DePaul International focuses on supporting marginalized communities, including homeless individuals and refugees. The organization provides emergency services such as shelter and food, but it also emphasizes long-term support through education and vocational training. DePaul Croatia works in partnership with local governments and other organizations to address the root causes of homelessness and promote social inclusion.
7. USA: DePaul USA operates in cities across the country, providing housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization’s approach is rooted in the “Housing First” model, which prioritizes providing stable housing as the first step in helping people address other issues such as mental health, addiction, or unemployment. DePaul USA also operates programs aimed at preventing homelessness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as veterans and young adults aging out of foster care.

The Institute of Global Homelessness

In addition to its direct services, DePaul International is also home to the Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH), an initiative launched in partnership with DePaul University in Chicago. The IGH aims to address homelessness on a global scale by promoting research, policy development, and the sharing of best practices among countries. It serves as a hub for academics, policymakers, and practitioners working to end homelessness through collaboration and innovation.

One of the IGH’s key initiatives is the A Place to Call Home campaign, which seeks to reduce homelessness in 150 cities worldwide by 2030. This ambitious project focuses on building partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and communities to implement sustainable solutions to homelessness. The IGH also conducts research on the root causes of homelessness and the effectiveness of different intervention strategies, with the goal of influencing global policy on homelessness.

DePaul International’s Approach to Homelessness

DePaul International takes a comprehensive approach to homelessness, addressing both the immediate needs of homeless individuals and the underlying causes that contribute to homelessness. The organization’s programs are designed to offer more than just a temporary solution; they provide individuals with the tools and support needed to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term independence.

1. Prevention: One of DePaul International’s key strategies is preventing homelessness before it happens. This is achieved through early intervention programs that identify individuals at risk of homelessness and provide them with the support they need to stay in their homes. This could involve financial assistance, mediation services, or support with mental health and addiction issues.
2. Emergency Support: For those who are already homeless, DePaul International offers a range of emergency services, including shelters, food, and medical care. These services provide immediate relief to individuals in crisis and ensure that they have a safe place to stay while longer-term solutions are put in place.
3. Reintegration: Once individuals have stabilized, DePaul International works to help them reintegrate into society. This could involve providing access to education, vocational training, or employment opportunities, as well as ongoing support to help individuals maintain their housing and independence.
4. Advocacy: DePaul International is also committed to advocating for systemic change to address the root causes of homelessness. This includes working with governments and other organizations to improve housing policies, increase access to affordable housing, and address issues such as mental health, addiction, and poverty.

Governance and Accountability

DePaul International operates with a strong governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability in all its activities. The organization is governed by a board of trustees that includes representatives from each of the countries where DePaul operates. These trustees bring a wealth of experience and expertise in areas such as social work, finance, and law, ensuring that DePaul International remains focused on its mission and operates efficiently.

The organization is also committed to monitoring and evaluating the impact of its programs to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the homeless population and making a meaningful difference. DePaul International regularly publishes impact reports that detail the outcomes of its programs and the number of individuals it has helped.

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DePaul International has grown from its humble beginnings in 1989 to become a global leader in the fight against homelessness. Its work, inspired by the values of St. Vincent de Paul, continues to transform lives by offering not only shelter but also the opportunity for individuals to regain their dignity, independence, and place in society. Through its global network of services, its Institute of Global Homelessness, and its advocacy for systemic change, DePaul International is making a profound impact on the lives of homeless individuals worldwide. As it looks to the future, the organization remains committed to its vision of a world where everyone has a place to call home and the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.

Contact:

• Address: 8-10 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W 0DH, United Kingdom
• Telephone: +44 (0)203 948 9872
• Email: info@depaulinternational.org
• Website: https://int.depaulcharity.org/

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