What Is a Vincentian?

A Vincentian is a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — a volunteer who answers the call to serve neighbors in need with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Vincentians are ordinary people doing extraordinary work. They are mothers, fathers, retirees, professionals, parish members, and community leaders who believe that no one in our community should face hardship alone.

At St. Vincent de Paul of Washington County, our Vincentians:

• Take calls from neighbors requesting assistance
• Meet personally with individuals and families in need
• Provide help with rent, utilities, food, clothing, furniture, and other essentials
• Offer encouragement, hope, and human connection

Vincentians do not simply provide financial support — they build relationships. They listen. They pray. They walk alongside those who are struggling and remind them that they are not alone.

Every act of service is rooted in dignity, respect, and love.

How Do You Become a Vincentian?

Becoming a Vincentian is not about having special skills— it is about having a willing heart.

What Is the Commitment?

Most Vincentians:

• Attend one monthly meeting
• Participate in home visits or assistance calls
• Serve in prayerful reflection and fellowship

Time commitments are flexible based on your availability. Whether you can give a few hours a month or more regularly, your presence matters.

Why Become a Vincentian?

• Because the need is real.  
• Because community matters.
• Because one conversation can change someone’s life.

Last quarter alone, our Vincentians answered hundreds of calls from neighbors in crisis — providing rent assistance, utility support, gas cards, furniture, clothing, and hope. That impact is only possible because volunteers choose to step forward.
If you feel called to serve your neighbors in a deeper, more personal way, we invite you to join us.

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Here's how to begin:
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1. Express Your Interest:
Reach out to us through our website or contact our office. We will connect you with a local Conference (parish-based volunteer group) in Washington County.   Send Email 

2. Attend an Information Meeting:
You will be invited to learn more about the mission, expectations, and the type of assistance we provide.

3. Complete the Onboarding Process
   This includes:

• A background check
• Safe environment training
• Orientation on how home visits and assistance calls are handled

4. Begin Serving
You will serve alongside experienced Vincentians, learning how we meet with neighbors and respond to calls for help. No one serves alone.

Ready to Learn More?

​Click below to:

• Submit a Volunteer Interest Form
• Contact a Conference Leader
• Attend an upcoming information session

Together, we serve. Together, we uplift. Together, we build a stronger Washington County.

Vincentian Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be Catholic to become a Vincentian?
No. While the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a Catholic organization, membership is open to anyone who respects our faith-based mission and shares a desire to serve neighbors in need with compassion and dignity.
Vincentian meetings include prayer, and our work is rooted in Catholic social teaching, but assistance is provided to all — regardless of religion, background, or circumstance.

What exactly does a Vincentian do?
Vincentians respond directly to neighbors who call for help. This may include:

• Meeting with individuals and families experiencing hardship
• Assisting with rent, utilities, food, clothing, furniture, or gas
• Listening, encouraging, and offering hope
• Connecting neighbors to additional community resources

Our work is relational. We do not simply provide financial support — we walk alongside people during difficult seasons.

What is the time commitment?
Most Vincentians:

• Attend one monthly Conference meeting
• Participate in home visits or assistance calls
• Serve based on their availability

The commitment is flexible. Whether you can serve a few hours per month or more regularly, your time makes a meaningful difference.

Do I need special experience or training?
No special experience is required. We provide:

• Orientation and onboarding
• Safe environment training
• Background screening
• Mentorship alongside experienced Vincentians

You will never be sent to serve alone. Support and guidance are always available.

What is a “Conference”?
A Conference is a parish-based group of Vincentians who meet regularly for prayer, fellowship, and to coordinate assistance for neighbors in their local area.
Each Conference focuses on serving its community while remaining part of the larger St. Vincent de Paul network.

How is assistance funded?
Support for neighbors comes from:

• Donations made to local Conferences
• Contributions from parish communities
• Store profits from St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores
• Customer round-up programs and community generosity

Every dollar stays local and directly supports neighbors in Washington County.

How do I get started?
Getting involved is simple:

1. Submit a Volunteer Interest Form
2. Attend an information meeting
3. Complete onboarding requirements
4. Begin serving alongside an experienced Vincentian

If you feel called to serve in a deeper, more personal way, we would be honored to walk with you.

Submit a Volunteer Interest Form

What Does a Vincentian Assistance Call Look Like?

​Every call begins with one simple truth:
Someone in our community is struggling and has reached out for help.

Step 1: A Neighbor Calls for Assistance
​A neighbor contacts our local Conference for help—often with rent, utilities, food, furniture, or other basic needs. Many are facing unexpected job loss, medical bills, reduced hours, or family emergencies.
For many, making the call is not easy. It takes courage to ask for help.

Step 2: Vincentians Respond
Two trained Vincentians are assigned to follow up. We serve in pairs because we believe in accountability, shared discernment, and prayerful support.
A visit may take place:

• In the neighbor’s home
• At a parish
• Or by phone when necessary

Step 3: We Listen First
Before discussing finances or assistance, Vincentians listen.
We ask questions to understand the situation:

• What has changed?
• What immediate needs exist?
• What other supports are in place?

This is not an interrogation. It is a conversation grounded in dignity and respect.
Often, what people need most in that moment is to be heard.

Step 4: Discernment & Support
After the conversation, Vincentians prayerfully discern how we can help.
Assistance may include:

• Paying a portion of rent or utility bills directly to the provider
• Providing food vouchers or clothing
• Supplying furniture or household essentials
• Offering referrals to additional community resources

We do not give cash directly to individuals. Payments are made to landlords, utility companies, or vendors.

Step 5: Ongoing Care
Sometimes the assistance is a one-time need. Other times, the relationship continues.
Vincentians may:

• Follow up with encouragement
• Connect the neighbor to longer-term resources
• Offer continued prayer and support

The goal is not just temporary relief — it is stability, hope, and restored dignity.

What Makes a Vincentian Call Different?
A Vincentian call is:

• Personal
• Confidential
• Compassionate
• Rooted in faith
• Focused on dignity​ 

 We do not judge.

We do not lecture.

We do not rush.


We walk alongside our neighbors during
a difficult chapter and
remind them they are not alone.