Spokane County Society of St. Vincent de Paul assistance programs
Venetians that are part of the Spokane County Society of St. Vincent de Paul provide help to the poor and struggling, including free food, clothes, financial aid and other resources. The faith based charity is made up of several local churches. While they can provide some basic needs for those that are struggling, the churches and parishes that are part of the Spokane District Council will also try to help the client overcome the root cause of their hardship.
The main services available are below. Each church/parish in Spokane County has their own application process. When applying for help, Venetians will often visit the home of the applicant to determine their exact need. An application will need to be done, and this will include proof of income and more. If found to be qualified, the SVDP charity may offer everything from clothing to food or emergency funds for bills or housing costs.
Emergency financial help for bills, housing, rent and critical needs
A help desk at the Society of Saint Vincent Spokane District Council is for anyone that is facing homelessness or that is behind on their rent or energy bills. A key focus is on people facing imminent eviction. The Society will provide resources for various housing needs. All requests for assistance are processed on a first come, first served basis.
Saint Vincent de Paul Spokane County St. Vincent de Paul can provide either direct financial aid or referrals, including to Washington emergency homeless prevention. The goal is to give them some sort of funds, or a loan, to help with rent or otherwise a housing situation. Other support from the Venetians may be information, support, and guidance. The process will involve one on one guidance from a social worker. Advice is offered in Spanish as well.
Spokane County Saint Vincent de Paul free food and hot meal programs
Hot meals and also free food from a pantry is offered to very low income families. There is assistance for children, the elderly, as well as the hungry in the community. The Society of Saint Vincent program relies heavily on volunteers. The churches (listed below) will also not ask for proof of immigration status or identification.
Whether someone is using the pantry or requesting a meal, there is often a waiting list in place. Most meals are served during the breakfast or lunch period, and the free food pantry is open a limited number of days per week. In addition to the free hot meal, additional grocery items may be provided on the client's way out of the soup kitchen. The other option, the food pantry, may have canned goods or emergency food boxes.
Since many of the diners or users of the pantry are unemployed or working poor, more services are offered at the same time of the meal. The St. Vincent de Paul of Spokane County centers offers individualized assistance either before, during, or after the meal. Churches want to help the low income receive long term support. Whether it is affordable housing, applications to SNAP food stamps, meaningful employment, or whatever the issue, support will be provided.
Free basic needs from Society of Saint Vincent
Basic needs can be met as well by the various St. Vincent parishes in Spokane County. In addition to the programs above, St. Vincent of Spokane County will offer clothes or other free items or stuff. There may be free or low cost, yet affordable clothes. This service will also depend on donations from the community. What may be passed out range from items for school as well as professional work attire. There are other options too - find free stuff.
If someone doesn't qualify for free clothing, then they can try the Thrift Store. This is also available in Spokane County. The local churches that help run these stores also play a key roll in keeping them stocked and offering this service.
Donations are needed by the Society of Saint Vincent. Once items are dropped off at the thrift store, volunteers evaluate, sort, and prepare the goods for sale. There may be clothing, winter coats, kitchen appliances, cribs, furniture, and more. It basically offers families a low cost shopping alternative.
SVDP social services in Spokane County
As noted, Spokane County St. Vincent de Paul also wants to break the cycle of poverty and/or homelessness. So while offering food or clothing may be nice, clients of the charity also need to learn the skills for self-sufficiency.
In partnership with non-profit organizations, there will be job training arranged. People can enroll into vocational classes to learn new skills. Also, a plan will be created by the social worker in order to develop an action plan that can touch upon obtaining a GED, English as a Second Language, Financial Management, and even Basic Computer Skills.
Applying for resources
There are several St. Vincent de Paul conferences and parishes in Spokane County. They all have their own resources, whether food or financial, as well as application processes.
- St. Patrick SVDP is at 215 S 6th Ave, Pasco, Washington 99301. Call (509) 544-9315
- Mary Queen is at 3423 E Carlisle Ave, Spokane, WA 99217. Call 509-671-6424
- St. Thomas More is at 515 W St Thomas More Way, Spokane, Washington 99208. Call 509-466-3811
- St. Patrick, 415 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. The thrift store phone number is (509)-529-6778
- St. Mary is at 304 South Adams in Spokane Valley is 509-703-7867
- St. Anthony is a parish at 2320 N Cedar St, Spokane, Washington 99205. Call 509-216-1093
- St. Francis is at 1104 West Heroy Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205. Call 509-202-8331 or try (509) 535 2491.
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