Food Assistance:          510-783-6405

All Other Requests:       510-246-0784

We are a Catholic Lay Organization that helps the Poor and those in temporary need. We are a person-to-person Catholic Ministry whose members see the face of Christ in the faces of those who are suffering. We are called Vincentians.

    In 1833 The Society Of St. Vincent de Paul was established in Paris, France by a young college student, Frederic Ozanam. This ministry was originally called the Confraternity of Charity and later changed to SVDP, named after the Apostle of Charity, St. Vincent, who lived 200 years earlier.
    Today, there is SVDP in Catholic Parishes (called Conferences) in more than 150 countries with more than 800,000 members.
    Jesus reminded us, “The Poor will be with us always.” They are found not only in shelters. They are living in their cars, in parks and under bridges near freeways. They are throughout Alameda County. There are many people living in poverty in Hayward. They are living in apartments and houses within the boundaries of St. Bede Parish.
    Often, they are good, hard-working people laid off suddenly and unable to find work. They are families and individuals on limited income who are having problems paying their rent, their mortgage or utility bill, and may not have enough money to buy food for their children.
 
    Wherever there are people in need, you will find SVDP. Through the support of the Parish Staff and the Monthly Collection, we have confidently served our Neighbors. Perhaps you may wish to help us; to put into action your Catholic faith by serving those who are the most fragile and vulnerable in this community.
 
    How can you serve? Perhaps you may wish to work at our Food Pantry on a Saturday morning, where you will join others and supply food to our sisters and brothers. Or maybe you may become part of a Visiting Team where you and your partner will visit with those living in poverty. Within this neighborhood, in their homes or at our Office/Pantry you bring your neighbors hope, prayer and an understanding ear. You and your partner will be able to sit and listen to our Neighbors, sorting through all that they are facing. As a Vincentian, you have an opportunity to embrace the lives of those living in poverty bringing dignity and respect, bringing the gift of yourselves and your time.
   
If you wish to learn more of our ministry, please let us know.

God bless you and all those in your care.