ST. VINNY: To the community

Dear friends of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho,

Thank you for your donations of warm clothing, Christmas presents, food, prepared meals and monetary donations throughout the end of 2016 and the beginning of this year. The outpouring of love and support from this community is amazing and helps give our staff the opportunity to help thousands in need each year.

St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho has been part of this community for more than 70 years. What started as a clothes closet is now the largest homeless and low income serving organization in the region. During our cold months you hear about the warming center we provide when the temperature is below 30 degrees. This is only one of many services we offer. Throughout the whole year we provide a women’s shelter, men’s shelter, transitional and permanent housing, a dining hall and our Help Center has 100-150 visitors a day.

What most people do not realize is, the majority of the people we help are not homeless. They need assistance in some way to remain independent and proud citizens. It might be food, help with a utility bill, help preparing a resume or fixing a car. Your help makes this happen. Mental illness and substance abuse is two of the leading causes for being homeless. If you are physically and mentally in good health consider yourself very fortunate. Each of us may someday need to ask for help. When this happens, thank goodness we have a community who will get involved and nonprofit organizations that respect each other and work together.

I saw a gentleman come into our Help Center with wet cold feet. He walked out with a pair of dry socks. I saw a family come to our Help Center who looked desperate. They walked out with warm coats, food and smiles on their faces. On behalf of our board, staff and clients, thank you for your continued support of St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho.

CHRIS FRITZ

President of the Board

BARB SMALLEY

Development Director

JEFF CONROY

Executive Director