Services

No work of charity is foreign to the Society.
-Frederic Ozanam, founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Paris, France 1833

Last year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County helped more than 12,000 people in our community, offering assistance in the form of free hot meals, rental deposits, utility assistance, social service referrals, and other vital needs. Our goal is straightforward: to provide services to the poor and those in need of Marin County who might not otherwise receive help.

We do this without government or church funds, allowing us to serve the community without barriers or restrictions in a timely and compassionate manner. We are able to offer these services free of charge, thanks to our generous donors who value and support the work we do.

Dining Room

The Free Dining Room was created in 1981 as a free kitchen to serve Marin County’s hungry citizens with dignity and a welcoming demeanor. The Free Dining Room has been open every day since then, and has served more than two million meals to our hungry neighbors. Each year our kitchen serves more than 130,000 meals, providing the only sustenance of the day for many of our diners. Many of our diners are Marin’s “working poor,” living below the poverty line and trying to make ends meets. We also serve senior citizens and people with disabilities, who often appreciate a hot meal and some warm conversation. Finally, the Dining Room offers a welcome respite to those who do not have housing, and must sleep in their cars or in the hills of Marin County.

Homeless Help Desk

Our Homeless Help Desk welcomes over 1,400 clients each year and offers limited financial aid, referrals, and a sympathetic ear to people without a place to live. The focus is on responding to emergency needs and stabilizing individuals and families. Last year we helped transition more than 75 people off the street and into permanent housing.

Our services include:

• Brief motel stays for homeless and stranded families
• Rental Deposit assistance
• Transportation
• Prescription medications
• Blankets
• Food
• Clothing, toiletries and other essentials

Home Visits

Each week in Marin County, volunteers from the Society visit people struggling to make ends meet in their homes to help them get through life’s struggles. The primary goal of these visits is to prevent homelessness. We do this by providing rental assistance, utility bill payments, food and more. Cash is never distributed to clients; all needs are confirmed with appropriate third parties, and all assistance is paid directly to landlords, utility companies, etc. We are especially committed to keeping children housed, and providing the stability and security that all children need to thrive.

Home visits are the "heart" of the Society, and have been happening around the world for more than 170 years. Last year more than 150 volunteers provided 1,174 home visits to people in every city and town in Marin County.

Affordable Housing

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Marin County owns and operates eight low income apartments above our Dining Room, providing housing for very low income residents. These apartments are located in downtown San Rafael close to transportation, employment and support services.

Concierge Desk

This volunteer-staffed desk is located right in the Dining Room and provides immediate onsite counseling, advocacy, and assistance seven days a week, for any person seeking help. Concierge Desk volunteers refer clients to social service agencies, assist with job searches, and provide free phone calls to contact appropriate resources. The Concierge Desk helps approximately 15-20 people per day with these needs.

For more details about our services, programs and operational costs, we encourage you to read our 2006 Annual Report. (2 Mb PDF)