Spring 2010 - St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent’s Way C I N C I N N AT I D I S T R I C T C O U N C I L

Spring 2010

Home visits build up after life’s difficulties tear down Home visits are a unique aspect of Two years ago, Jerome’s family fell apart St. Vincent de Paul’s ministry that restores when his wife refused to get help for hope and self-confidence by meeting a substance abuse. Later he was laid off his family in the privacy of their home. Home job and lost his home. He became depressed visits provide life necessities, and restore and struggled every day to make ends meet. dignity to people who have lost the stamina to In Cincinnati, a person working a minimum wage go on. job must work 72 hours a week in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent (Greater “We don’t just meet Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless). With the material needs,” said unstable economy and high unemployment rates, Denny Coyne, a St. keeping up with the cost of living and balancing Vincent de Paul member. unexpected expenses is very challenging for many “We bring comfort and hope. Some people have families. never had someone to To help someone move past despair, consider giving listen to them. We show to this year’s Annual Campaign. See the enclosed people we accept them for envelope on page 4 and decide how you can help. who they are, right where they are.” “I was angry at first,” said Jerome, “but life Denny has participated in home visits for goes on. I have a child. I don’t want my child more than five years. “I do it to give back, to suffer.” but in reality I receive so much more. It Jerome began piecing his life back is not all about the physical need, but the together after a friend suggested emotional and spiritual needs. Often he attend church. “Everything meeting the physical need leads to the from the preacher seemed diother two.” rected to me, week after week,” One of Denny’s weekly home visits led him said Jerome. to Jerome, who called St. Vincent de Paul for Eventually Jerome found an help with furniture. Pulling into the apartapartment, has a small ment complex, Denny was waved to the income and completed second building by Jerome, who eagerly the process to obtain escorted Denny to his door. Jerome welfull custody of comed Denny into his home - a two bedroom apartment with uncarpeted floors, his daughter. On a tight budget, empty cabinets and closets, a coffee table Jerome purchased a and an air mattress.

www.SVDPcincinnati.org

few items from the St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. Four cups, a blanket and a picture for his daughter’s bedroom were all that made his apartment a home. With his St. Vincent de Paul thrift store voucher, Jerome was able to purchase so much more. Now Jerome has a couch, kitchen table and a dresser for his daughter’s room. He also found new clothing for his daughter and kitchen items; he is on a waiting list for a child’s bed. Jerome is grateful for the great strides he has taken. “When I get up every morning, I thank God. I’ve been blessed. I know things will work out. The good thing about this is I’ve learned to forgive. I’ve learned to be more appreciative.” As Denny ended his visit with Jerome, he prayed for Jerome’s material needs, and also for his spiritual and emotional needs and continued healing for his family. “St. Vincent de Paul is a blessing,” said Jerome, “It’s a place to get you back on your feet. I’m counting my blessings.

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Volunteer Creative giving returns tax Opportunities deduction to you, plus helps others Volunteers have decreased greatly, but the need continues to grow. You can be the difference—provide hope in a family’s life by giving a few hours of your time. Contact Drew Tilow at [email protected] or call (513) 562-8841 ext. 211 and ask how you can participate.

Food Pantry: Each month, more than 500 families visit our Choice Food Pantry. Serve a neighbor in need on Tuesdays, Fridays and the third Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at 1125 Bank Street. Volunteers are also needed to stock and sort food.

Office Assistance: Calls for help have doubled in the past year. Volunteers are needed to answer calls, file, organize and enter data at our office at 1125 Bank Street.

Home Visits: Wednesdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., volunteers are needed to help neighbors in need of furniture, household items and clothing.

Adopt-A-Store: As needs increase, more families are relying on our thrift stores. You can make a difference by volunteering to sort donations, create displays, straighten and stock our six St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores.

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Have you ever wished you could support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and improve your financial security at the same time? Well, you can. At St. Vincent de Paul, we call it Creative Giving. In fact, just one “creative gift” can return an immediate tax deduction to you, plus lifetime income for you or a loved one, plus long-term financial support to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. That’s right… you benefit, your loved ones benefit, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul benefits. How is this possible? By taking advantage of incentives the IRS provides, we can craft a gift that delivers exactly the benefits that you have been looking for. Financial advisors call these creative techniques “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning and a small investment, you can turn personal giving challenges into win-win solutions for you and for us. So whether you want to make a gift that costs you nothing during your lifetime, or a gift that gives you guaranteed income for life, contact Julie Rack at (513) 562-8841 ext. 225 or [email protected] to find out how to make it happen.

Organize a Drive: Lend a helping hand by organizing a drive or event at your school, office or church to collect food, funds, clothing, household items or furniture. We can help you get organized.

Contact Sarah Gerrety at [email protected] or (513) 562-8841 ext. 217 to get started.

St. Vincent’s Way

From the President’s Corner… Dear friends, Perhaps you feel good about your contribution to helping the poor last year. Maybe you helped buy gifts for your church’s giving tree or maybe your place of employment chipped in and helped local families with food. Perhaps you made a donation to St. Vincent de Paul. But consider this: Families continue to need your help as the economy recovers. Unemployment didn’t take a “time out” this year and the needs of the working poor continue to grow. Unfortunately, problems of the poor typically become more complex as families struggle to pay higher utility bills and work becomes scarcer when seasonal work disappears. Their financial hole becomes deeper and deeper and pretty soon they are facing eviction and/or utility shutoff. St. Vincent de Paul members struggle every day with the dilemma of how to balance the breadth and depth of their help. Questions they ask include: Do I help more people with fewer dollars or do I help fewer people with more dollars? Please continue to give generously to St. Vincent de Paul so more families in your neighborhoods can be helped during these extraordinary times of unemployment. Blessings on you all, Sandy Brielmaier District Council President, St. Vincent de Paul Society

Retreats expanded at Service Learning Center To help local individuals, families and groups understand the causes behind the poverty, the impact on families and the community, and the spiritual implications of being poor in Cincinnati, St. Vincent de Paul is developing a Service Learning Center. The center will offer customized service and retreat opportunities year round for groups to learn more about poverty in Cincinnati. “Rooted in the mission of St. Vincent de Paul, The Service Learning Center will foster a community of compassion, understanding and justice through the engagement of diverse individuals in service, education and reflection of spiritual values,” said St. Vincent de Paul Social Service Team Leader Matt Flege, a member of the team leading the project. Others participating in the planning include The Homeless Coalition, Xavier University, St. Xavier, Interfaith Hospitality, and UGive.org.


In November a pilot group of students from Xavier participated in a weekend retreat. The group stayed in an apartment in Over-The-Rhine, went on home visits with Vincentians and interacted with member of the community at a local dance school, Elementz. First time St. Vincent de Paul volunteers have left these kinds of retreat experiences thinking: “I had no idea this level of poverty existed in my own neighborhood.” Many people struggle in Cincinnati, not just in the inner city areas, but in Colerain, Bridgetown, Hyde Park and other middle or upperclass areas.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to educate people about poverty as well as reach out to our community and learn how we can better serve those in need,” said Matt. For updates or to schedule your group for a retreat, contact Alison Zlatic at [email protected] or (513) 484-9243.

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Lost employment: SVDP is there As a young boy, Lewis was always told by his mother to work hard and be independent. So that is what he did. At a young age, Lewis worked a paper route and for most of his life he held two jobs. When the economy soured, Lewis was laid off his job of eight years. Immediately he began looking for other employment, but most places were under a hiring freeze at least until the New Year. “It took me by surprise,” said Lewis. “I wasn’t prepared.” Unable to find full-time work, Lewis began to take temporary day labor jobs, “I think about it every day. It takes its toll on you. I try not to become depressed. I still have to live and work to pay bills.”

Many of his friends and family were going through similar situations and could not offer help, so when Lewis needed assistance paying rent, he had no one to turn to except St. Vincent de Paul to save his home. “It’s hard to ask for help. It’s embarrassing. I just want to get back on my feet,” Lewis said. “This help means a great deal—to stabilize my situation. I know it will get better.”

Nearly half of the individuals served by food pantries are employed (FoodShare Hunger Fact Sheet). Many at our food pantry are working parents having a difficult time providing for their kids or individuals working low-paying part-time jobs that do not meet their needs. You could make a difference by being the helping hand for a struggling family in need. See the enclosed envelope on how you can restore hope by giving to this year’s Annual Campaign.

Personal Hardship: SVDP is there Sixty-three year old Kirby of Cumminsville is learning through hardship and thanking God that St. Vincent de Paul helped her get through a tough season of her life. Once a janitorial worker, Kirby has been without work for a year. A series of difficult economic situations forced her to seek help. When her food was running out, she visited the Edyth and Carl Lindner Choice Food Pantry for assistance with food and personal care products. When she had no money for bus fare, the Society provided bus tokens for job interviews. The Society has helped her with an electric bill, too. During the holidays, special arrangements were made to make sure Kirby received a Thanksgiving turkey basket so she could celebrate the holidays. “That was a real help,” Kirby said. “It was so special from the Lord. I really thank God for that.” “The Lord has been teaching me,” through this season of life, she says. One way she is learning is through her new bible, given to her by St. Vincent de Paul through a benefactor. “I think St. Vincent de Paul has a wonderful attitude,” Kirby said. “The man who gave me the Bible–he is wonderful.”

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St. Vincent’s Way

Sudden financial insecurity: SVDP is there Pam has worked for 25 years to make a good life for herself. She had a car, and an apartment with nice furniture. Her education, she thought, guaranteed her job security. As friends and colleagues were laid off over a period of months, eventually her turn came, too. After months of frustrating job searches that ended nowhere, Pam lost her car, her apartment, and all her belongings.

“It is difficult,” she said of the last few months. “I go and stand in line for day labor and hope my name is called for two or three hours work.” She works on temporary cleaning jobs and takes what she can get, just glad to have any kind of work.

Although landing a job in the poor economy has been impossible, Pam is determined to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Although landing a job in the poor economy Finding has been impossible, Pam is determined to bus fare is keep putting one foot in front of the other. always a challenge, three weeks on neighbors’ floors. Finally she said. One way she gets by is through an informal barter scraping up enough money for bus fare system, trading homemade from Texas to Cincinnati, Pam came to food for enough money to live with her sister and brother-in-law catch the bus to her next job After staying a few weeks with her sister, interview. Pam could no longer burden her family. “My overall mental state goes With no job and nowhere else to go, back and forth, ranging from praising this formerly stable woman ended up at God that He is blessing me and working a homeless shelter, working day labor things out” to the continual disappointwhenever possible. ment of never quite landing the job she needs. One of the most difficult days of her life was when the sheriff came to her door to confirm her eviction. She slept for

“This is my first experience being homeless,” Pam said. “When I went to the Drop Inn Center, I learned about SVDP.” Once Pam began to make progress to return to selfsufficiency, she found an apartment, but needed help getting basic necessities. Pam called St. Vincent de Paul where she received help with furniture and groceries. “I feel like I am back at the bottom of the heap, clawing my way out,” she said.


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Financial ‘literacy’ skills addressed in new program To help clients manage their money, no matter what income level, St. Vincent de Paul is helping develop a Financial Literacy Program. The Society is working with the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Economic Education and other partners to develop this practical program, which aims to secure clients’ long-term economic future and create financial stability. The Society’s clients, typically low- to very low-income, come from all over Hamilton County and may be in temporary or low paying jobs, unemployed or with limited or no income, noted Bob Mierenfeld, client advocate for St. Vincent de Paul. “Basic financial management skills are important for all households, but they are particularly critical for low-income families to ensure long-term financial security,” he said. “In addition to providing emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness or disconnection of utilities, our goal is to give our clients tools for avoiding future eviction or disconnection,” he said. The Society serves a population that may have limited interaction with banks and minimal experience with saving or budgeting. Advocates work one-on-one with each client to create a written household budget and plan of action to improve financial stability, he said. Mierenfeld said the Society is examining other tools that could be used to supplement the financial knowledge of clients, with a desired goal of enhanced self-sufficiency. “This process is in its early stages and it is hoped that we will eventually share this tool kit with our neighborhood-based volunteers to use as they see the need among the families they visit,” Bob said.

Shoppers flock to expanded Mt. Washington store After a move down the street to a brand new facility, the relocated Mt. Washington St. Vincent de Paul thrift store has been busier than expected. In the first 40 days the store was open, more than 10,000 people visited the spacious facility at 2300 Beechmont Avenue.

The new store has plenty of parking and a convenient drop-off area. “The response to this store has been far better than expected,” said Prentice Carter, director of operations for St. Vincent de Paul. The store’s continued success will help meet needs of many families struggling in Cincinnati by providing basic necessities at no cost on an emergency basis. Others on a fixed income regularly shop our stores for necessities. They can’t afford even discount store prices, but the thrift store items fit right into their budgets. “The size of the store has let us nearly triple the assistance we can provide to struggling families in this area. The large

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inventory is helpful for needy families visited by our members because they can find the items they need at just one location,” Prentice said. The Mt. Washington store is just one of six thrift stores operated by St. Vincent de Paul to help people in need. For free pick up of gently used items, call 421-CARE or visit your nearest St. Vincent de Paul drop off box, located at many parishes.

St. Vincent’s Way

New men’s temporary emergency shelter supported by St. Vincent de Paul Joining with a coalition of faith-based groups and service providers, St. Vincent de Paul is operating a temporary shelter for men during the cold winter months. Located in First Lutheran Church on Race Street, the shelter opened mid-November. Men are sent to the shelter once the Drop Inn Center is at capacity. During the first two months of operation, the shelter has often operated at its full 30-person capacity, and has provided a safe place to sleep for 81 men. This year the need was especially dire, noted St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Liz Carter. “The depressed economy has resulted in a longer average stay in the Drop Inn Center as our community’s least qualified residents search for jobs in a far more competitive environment. These are difficult times for many of our city’s residents.” “Providing safety, security and a sense of welcome to those with the fewest defenses is a privilege,” noted Kevin Lab, director of programs for St. Vincent de Paul. “The tradition of SVDP is alive and flourishing every night in this ‘rich’ atmosphere.” All organizations in the project have provided funding and other support. St. Vincent de Paul has assumed overall management responsibility, including the management of staff and volunteers and project coordination. “Our decision to operate the overflow shelter this winter has been an important piece in the overall effort to provide safe, secure and peaceful accommodations for homeless men,” said Kevin. “To this point we have provided more than 2,200 bed nights to 98 men. In addition to providing shelter, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect has developed among many of the men who stayed at the shelter frequently. In addition we have a keener understanding of the community and of our neighbors’ needs.”

Sixty percent of all homeless men are employed (Coalition for the Homeless) and trying to be independent, but unexpected circumstances and the cost of living are against them. Consider giving to this year’s Annual Campaign. See the enclosed envelope on how you can bring hope and relief to a struggling neighbor.


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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OHIO PERMIT NO. 1106

1125 Bank Street Cincinnati, OH 45214

Health problems: SVDP is there Fifteen years ago Stephan, a truck driver, and Kimberly, a fork lift operator, began their lives together. They both worked hard to pay their bills and take care of their family. Last April, Stephan’s health forced him to stop working. Thankfully, Kimberly has survived layoffs at her job and has health insurance that covers a portion of Stephan’s medications. However, one prescription that is not covered by

insurance has been a budget buster. The added expense of this one medication has pushed Stephan and Kimberly over the edge from living paycheck-topaycheck to now being unable to afford food and risking having their electricity turned off.

Not knowing what else to do, Stephan and Kimberly came to the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy where Stephan’s expensive prescription was filled at no cost. “The help is unbelievable,” Following a record year of service, the St. Vincent de Paul said Stephan, “It is a Charitable Pharmacy has surpassed $5.1 million worth of medication dispensed to local people in need. The pharmacy opened in September 2006. Requests for help at the Charitable Pharmacy have escalated over the past year, a result of the poor economy and loss of health insurance. In 2010, the Charitable Pharmacy is expected to fill more than 25,000 prescriptions valued at over $2 million.

huge burden off of us. I can get my other medication with insurance; we don’t want to take what we don’t need.” Never expecting to be in this situation, Stephan and Kimberly realize how fragile life is. “Even for people that work, it could all be gone tomorrow,” said Stephan. “God is my strength if something happens,” added Kimberly, “Nothing is permanent.”

To keep up with increased need, the Charitable Pharmacy needs financial donations and sample medications from physician offices and pharmacies, plus volunteer help. To assist, contact Mike Espel, R. Ph., at (513) 562-8841, ext. #264.

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St. Vincent’s Way