Mission & History

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a global non-profit organization that has been offering person-to-person assistance to those in need since its founding in France in 1833 by a young college student named Frédéric Ozanam. Rooted in the gospel values of the Catholic faith, the Society's mission is to help volunteers and those in need grow spiritually, to foster a more just world through personal connections and compassionate service, and to alleviate the suffering of our neighbors in need.

The Council of Pittsburgh, established in 1852, spans five counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania—Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington. Here, local volunteer members, known as Vincentians, form “Conferences,” small teams of neighbors dedicated to providing tangible aid and emotional support within their communities. Fifty Conferences and 800 volunteer Vincentians across these counties actively support tens of thousands of neighbors in need every year.

In addition to volunteer efforts, the Council of Pittsburgh also employs a dedicated staff of about 100, who help operate four thrift stores, a warehouse, and a Recycling, Transportation, and Logistics Center. These thrift stores serve dual purposes: they provide essential items to referred individuals and families, and their proceeds fund crucial assistance programs across the region. Through these resources, the Council offers vital services, including but not limited to food, clothing, furniture, housing and utility assistance, medical care, and transportation.

Driven by the mission to be a network of friends building a more compassionate and just world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh remains a steadfast source of hope and support for those facing hardship.