Who We Are

St. Vincent de Paul has served those in need in the Bend area since 1981. We are a private non-profit 501(c)3 Social Service agency supported by individual donations and grants. All donations stay in our local community to serve others regardless of religion, race, place of origin or gender. There are other St. Vincent Social Service offices in La Pine, Redmond and Prineville.

HISTORY

In 1979 a small group of caring people started collecting mostly canned goods around Bend and storing these food items in their own garages. Collecting names mostly from word of mouth, they would deliver food boxes to those needy homes. As this service continued to grow, the Board of Directors was formed and the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store was opened in 1981 by the Bi-Mart store. In 1985, St. Vincent de Paul purchased our current location on Third Street for the operation of Social Services. Unfortunately, the thrift store was closed due to diminished revenue.

Our primary function is to help the needy with an emergency 5 day food box, and utility and prescription assistance as funds are available. Our secondary function is managing our rental units which generates operating funds for our Social Services so that 90% of donations can go out the door to those in need. Our Property Manager is on call any time our tenants need help.

St. Vincent de Paul is overseen by a Board of Directors. Social Services is run by a Director with the help of a Food Pantry Manager. These are part-time paid positions backed up by a staff of 53 volunteers.