Society of St Vincent de Paul District Council of Attleboro

Housing assistance program. We assisted 447 marginalized individuals and families with rent payments that were either overdue or unable to be paid. In each case, we meet in person with the responsible individual(s), guide and counsel them regarding possible sources of assistance, and provide direct assistance as needed. This population includes: (a) homeless individuals and families transitioning from the streets to a shelter to an apartment; (b) persons fighting substance addiction through the services of local sober houses, in many cases transitioning from detox facilities; (c) individuals recently released from prison seeking the services of our volunteer Reentry team who help them identify housing options, sometimes including an aforementioned sober house location; (d) families with breadwinners experiencing recent job loss or personal challenges, compromising their ability to pay their rent; and (e) individuals and families with severely limited financial resources facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Some of our grant funds, as well as our fundraising funds, are targeted toward this key program.

Food assistance program. We assisted 1,442 individuals and families with food for their daily living. Many of these individuals receive food assistance from us repeatedly throughout each year in one of two ways: (a) We very frequently deliver food to homes of those we serve. (b) In addition, we run 2 food pantries, open at scheduled times for pre-registered members of our communities to select and take home food for their families. One pantry is open once monthly, and the other is open twice weekly. Most of the pantry food is non-perishable, but we occasionally also receive produce and meat for distribution. In addition to the $80,986.00 in food purchased from treasury funds, our food assistance also included $344,530.00 in donated food. As with all other assistance we provide, the cash donations and grant funds we receive enable us to make these purchases.

Energy assistance program. We assisted 208 individuals and families with fuel or utility payments that were either overdue or upcoming for residents with no ability to pay these bills. These include fuel assistance for winter heating, as well as all forms of household utility assistance (oil, gas, electricity, water, etc.). We work with those seeking such assistance, advise them to request workable payment plans from fuel and utility companies, and when necessary guide them through the process of setting up such plans. Our assistance has very frequently prevented utility shutoffs, as well as restored heat for many living in the cold during the winter when oil tanks are empty and gas or electricity has been shut off due to lack of payment. Many of our grant funds support this important program.

Household items: beds, appliances, etc.

Clothing (non-cash assistance)

Personal care items

Transportation

Medical expenses

Personal identification: driver's license, state IDs, etc.

Employment requirements