Doing something about homelessness – Depaul International

Depaul International reports that  in 70 different projects worldwide it provided over 340,000 nights of accommodation and served over 280,000 meals. They accounted for 53,000 hours of volunteer services last year alone. In addition they run annual training programs for both Trustees and staff.

In the spirit of the Vincentian Family desire to foster systemic change they are also working with DePaul University in Chicago to develop a global observatory on homelessness that will help build a solid knowledge base on the causes and solutions to homelessness on an international level. But they are about more than just statistics.

The values behind all this work? They write…

• We celebrate the potential of people
• We put our words into action
• We aim to take a wider role in civil society
• We believe in rights and responsibilities

Vincent believed in action rather than words and in seeking out what he referred to as the ‘poorest of the poor’. They are loving with the strength of the arms and sweat of their brows… as well as an intellect that is seeking to understand underlying causes and long term solutions.

A remarkable history…

• The Depaul Group of charities first opened its doors to homeless people in London in 1989 and soon developed into a national charity.
• In 2000 they were invited to expand our work into Ireland and we have grown dramatically both south and north of the border.
• Since then, they  have responded to needs in other countries – Slovakia, Ukraine and most recently the USA.
• They now manage over 70 different projects internationally providing shelter, food, medical care and a place of safety for over 7,000 different individuals each year.
• They work in partnership with governments, funding bodies and community groups to identify and respond to the needs of those most  vulnerable in our global community.

From the eight-year-old street child in Ukraine, to the homeless family in Belfast.

From the runaway in London to the 80-year old street sleeper in Bratislava, or the homeless ex-drug addict in Philadelphia trying hard to get back on the right track.

To read more about these developments, as well as detailed information and stories and case studies from all our subsidiaries please visit their website.

http://www.depaulinternational.org/about-depaul/annual-accounts/ (PDF)

What is all this to you and me?

• How big a problem is homelessness where you live?
• Who is most actively involved in doing something about understanding underlying cause and developing long term solutions?
• Are these groups working in isolation or are collaborating for better service and advocacy?

PS Another Vincentian-inspired initiative concerned with those who are homeless and their empowerment.

Homeless People’s Federation / Vincentian Missionaries Social Development Foundation, Inc (VMSDF)

Change is possible

Here’s proof that poor communities can take the lead in creating answers to the overwhelming problems of poverty and homelessness in the Philippines’ cities.

When organizations of the poor are centrally involved in planning which affects their lives, it’s good for the poor, good for cities, good for everyone.