The primary work of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Thomas More is to help people in need of one-time emergency rent or utility assistance, primarily in the Norman and Noble area. Home visits are scheduled with persons who call the Voice Mail Assistance line at (405) 329-5372 for help or submit a request for aid using the on-line form found at http://www.svdpatstm.org. A team of two members make the visit and obtain information from the clients in order to determine the type of assistance needed. The typical case usually involves financial assistance with utilities or rent but may also include furniture, food, help with communicating with a landlord, or contacting other agencies who may also be able to help. Information is provided to clients on the many organizations in Norman that may also help them with both their immediate and longer range challenges. People are helped regardless of faith, race, age, ethnicity or background.
We meet most Thursdays at 5:50pm (after Daily Mass) to pray together, participate in spiritual reflection, review current cases and conduct conference business. New members are always welcome in order to be responsive to those who request our help. Our Society has had significant growth since it started at St. Thomas More in 1990 when the total assistance provided in one year was about $9,000. This compares to more than $100,000 in assistance provided in 2019. Norman and Noble have grown significantly since 1990 and the number of people in need has grown along with them.
The parishioners of St. Thomas More have been very generous in supporting the work of our Society. Our greatest need is new members who feel called to put their faith into action in this way and assist with making home visits, picking up or delivering furniture, and becoming informed as advocates for the poor. Our second greatest need is maintaining or increasing the donations necessary to do the work of SVdP. Our primary sources of income are contributions to the Poor Box, faithful monthly supporters, a generous grant from the Sue Wilson Charitable Fund and the proceeds from the annual Friends of the Poor Walk.
Anyone is welcome to attend a meeting of SVdP to learn more about our work.
Contact: Barbara Boren, President, (405) 802-8657.