From the St. Vincent de Paul Society

Our St. Vincent de Paul Society has four dedicated “dispatchers” who each take a month at a time throughout the year to pass along issues concerning their neighbors to the Vincentians on call. They lend a compassionate, listening ear to all who call, and give referrals to sources for help,  including to SVdP Societies closer to them. This is a mission of love carried out by the dedicated Vincentians of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. 

Lately, those calls have become more frequent, and desperate, concerning the rising costs of living in Austin. Several of the “safety nets” that were in place - eviction moratoriums, extra Plus 1 funds from the City of Austin, and federal funds through sources such at Texas Rent Relief, RENT 3.0, etc - have all come to an end.  

One of our neighbors has a disabled husband whose care needs have increased significantly in the past year, causing them to move from a more rural town into Austin to be closer to a hospital for his frequent appointments. Years ago, before the husband's disability, that same family had shown mercy by fostering and adopting children with disabilities. Imagine coping with all of that and battling with Social Security to obtain deserved coverage, while being threatened with eviction due to missing rent payments. It certainly would be an overwhelming situation! Thanks to the people of St. Austin’s, and the funds from a few other St. Vincent de Paul conferences, we were able to put that fear of eviction to rest. Money isn’t everything, but it sure helps in many circumstances. Please be generous to our monthly Persons in Need (PIN) Collection, WE APPRECIATE your constant support!