Welcome to St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County

Our Mission of Hope and Service

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is a global Catholic lay organization founded in 1833 by a compassionate young student, Frédéric Ozanam, in Paris, France. Inspired by the life and legacy of St. Vincent de Paul—a 17th-century priest known for his unwavering devotion to the poor—Ozanam and his companions committed themselves to serving those in need with humility, dignity, and love.
Here in Washington County, St. Vincent de Paul continues that mission quietly but powerfully. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we serve our neighbors through a dedicated network of volunteers known as Vincentians. These caring individuals visit local families facing hardship, offering more than material aid—they offer understanding, encouragement, and compassion.
Through these visits, we provide tangible support such as vouchers for clothing and housewares, assistance with housing and utilities, and gas cards to help families reach work or medical care. But most importantly, we offer what can’t be found on a store shelf: a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a heart willing to walk beside those navigating difficult times.
Proceeds from our thrift stores and online sales directly fund these vital local services. Every purchase, every donation, and every act of generosity helps us meet urgent needs—whether it’s covering a medical bill, supplying warm coats for children, or partnering with other organizations to prevent homelessness.
At St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County, we believe in neighbors helping neighbors—restoring hope, rebuilding dignity, and renewing lives, one act of kindness at a time.

Our Roots in Washington County: A Legacy of Compassion

The mission of St. Vincent de Paul took root in Washington County, Wisconsin, in 1954 when Msgr. Edward Stehling, alongside ten dedicated laymen from Holy Angels Parish in West Bend, founded the county’s first Vincentian conference. Inspired by the Society’s global mission of charity and neighbor-to-neighbor support, they set out to serve local individuals and families facing hardship.
From those early efforts, a wave of compassionate action spread across the county. The Holy Angels Conference came to include St. Frances Cabrini and St. Mary’s parishes in West Bend, forming a united effort in support of their community. Soon after, additional conferences were established at:

• St. Michael’s in Kewaskum
• St. Kilian’s in Hartford
• St. Boniface in Germantown
• Holy Trinity in Newburg

These parish-based conferences—founded on personal service and Vincentian spirituality—remain active to this day, quietly serving neighbors in need with dignity and discretion.
Recognizing the growing need and shared mission, the Washington County Particular Council was formally established in 1956 to coordinate and support the efforts of local conferences. Just four years later, in 1960, the first St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store opened its doors at 1232 North Main Street in Barton, launching what would become a vital engine of hope, community, and sustainability for decades to come.
Today, St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County continues to grow this legacy—operating multiple thrift store locations and reinvesting every donation, purchase, and volunteer hour into the people and programs that make our community stronger.

St. Vincent de Paul Celebrates 175 Years of Helping Those in Need & 70 years right here in Washington County. 

St Vincent De Paul ​of Washington County Local Impact

Your Support. Real Results.
Every time you shop, donate, or give your time to St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County, you are creating meaningful change--right here in our own neighborhoods. We are committed to transparency, dignity, and community-first solutions.

In 2024, Thanks to Your Support:

🧍‍♂️ 5,230 individuals were served through direct assistance, including food, rent, clothing, furniture, transportation, and utility support.
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🏠 2,522 home visits were made by Vincentian volunteers, bringing not only aid, but compassion and human connection.

💵 $332,657 was distributed in financial support—helping families avoid eviction, cover emergency expenses, and get back on their feet.

♻️ 150,000+ lbs of goods were reused or recycled, keeping waste out of landfills and putting essential items into the hands of neighbors in need.

💬 “The help I received from St. Vincent de Paul changed everything for me and my kids. We were treated like people, not problems.”  — Sharon, Hartford

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