Services

CONFERENCES:
SVdP coordinates a group of over 200 volunteers who assist poor people in their local communities. Known as "Vincentians", volunteers are organized by lay people in Catholic parishes, helping neighbors in need in virtually every corner of Sonoma County. Each year, these volunteers assist nearly 40,000 individuals with food, clothing, furniture, transportation, home visits and spiritual guidance.

SPECIAL WORKS PROGRAMS:
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Sonoma County operates two direct social services programs (Retail Services and Free Dining Room) known as Special Works, that serve low-income and homeless people in the most populated community centers.

RETAIL SERVICES:
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores offer affordable shopping options providing gently used clothing, furniture and household goods at reduced prices. SVdP of Sonoma County currently operates one Thrift Store located in Rohnert Park. In addition to the exceptional bargains on donated merchandise, the store also accommodates the customers' frequent request for a few major new furniture items at attractive low retail prices. The prominent sales location of the store is also the site used by the local Society to prepare, and make ready and display the donated used vehicles, boats and RV's sold for needed operating funds. Proceeds from these operations allow for a major contribution to our Free Dining Room Program.

To promote recycling and reuse in Sonoma County, excess items from the Thrift Store are sold in bulk to micro-entrepreneurs.

FREE DINING ROOM:
Opened in 1984, the Free Dining Room is one of the oldest and largest facilities in Santa Rosa to serve hot meals to the hungry, seven days per week, 365 days per year. Each year, volunteers serve more than 90,000 nourishing meals to the homeless and low-income, certain medical establishments, transitional and senior facilities throughout various districts within the county.

The Free Dining Room relies on the support of many people from varied backgrounds who volunteer in excess of 10,000 hours of time each year. Also many grocery/specialty stores, restaurants, the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and other suppliers generously donate over $700,000 of food per year, helping to keep our program cost-effective. The Free Dining Room needs volunteers to help prepare and serve meals. On-going and even one-time opportunities are available for individual families and groups. Volunteering, regardless of race or creed, is open to anyone interested in helping us serve those in need. If this is something you are available for, please call us at (707) 584-1579.

Lunch is served seven days a week from 11:30am to 12:30pm. All meals are served at 610 Wilson Street in Santa Rosa. Phone: (707)528-7580.