St. Vincent de Paul center needs HELP

St. Vincent de Paul seeks nonperishable food contributions for HELP Center guests, who come in from the cold to find a warm meal, hot coffee and a safe and welcoming environment.

The HELP Center stands as the hub of St. Vincent's social services, providing access to vital resources for the community's homeless and very-low-income residents. There are 83 separate services offered under one roof, including rent, fuel, and utility assistance; clothing and hygiene supplies, infant needs, job counseling and work preparation programs, emergency shelter placement and subsidized housing solutions, legal aid and computer and telephone use.

In collaboration with local businesses, a voucher program is used to assist with the costs of laundry, household goods, haircuts, medical and dental prescriptions, beds, identification cards, car repairs, and school certifications/GED costs.

The staff works to address the immediate and emergency needs of individuals and families, and include comprehensive case management, planning, and life skills that empower people to build a safety net and avoid crises in the future.

St. Vincent de Paul is grateful to the community for its support of the Warming Center, and the many thoughtful donations of sleeping bags, blankets, winter clothing, provisions, cash donations and attendance of fundraising events.

As the snow piles up and temperatures stay low, the need for a precious bit of comfort is great for those struggling in the community. With abundant support from the public, the HELP Center has been able to provide nourishment to the average 100 people per day seeking services, and hopes to continue offering this relief. Thank you for your humanitarian spirit.

Suggestions for food donations: Dry cereal, shelf-stable rice/soy milk, oversized cans or standard-size cases of soup/chili, dry soup starter, canned meat, crackers, Cup-o-Noodles, etc.

For more information, call Keri Stark, HELP Center manager, at (208) 416-4778.