SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL DISTRICT COUNCIL OF ATTLEBORO

Programs

1. Housing assistance program. We assisted 412 marginalized individuals and families with rent payments that were either overdue or unable to be paid. In each case, we meet in person with the responsible individual(s), guide and counsel them regarding possible sources of assistance, and provide direct assistance as needed. This population includes: (a) homeless individuals and families transitioning from the streets to a shelter to an apartment; (b) persons fighting substance addiction through the services of local sober houses, in many cases transitioning from detox facilities; (c) individuals recently released from prison seeking the services of our volunteer Reentry team who help them identify housing options, sometimes including an aforementioned sober house location; (d) families with breadwinners experiencing recent job loss or personal challenges, compromising their ability to pay their rent; and (e) individuals and families with severely limited financial resources facing eviction due to unpaid rent. Some of our grant funds, as well as our fundraising funds, are targeted toward this key program.

   $249,558 spentof which $249,558 as grants
   55% of program spending

2. Energy assistance program. We assisted 310 individuals and families with fuel or utility payments that were either overdue or upcoming for residents with no ability to pay these bills. These include fuel assistance for winter heating, as well as all forms of household utility assistance (oil, gas, electricity, water, etc.). We work with those seeking such assistance, advise them to request workable payment plans from fuel and utility companies, and when necessary guide them through the process of setting up such plans. Our assistance has very frequently prevented utility shutoffs, as well as restored heat for many living in the cold during the winter when oil tanks are empty and gas or electricity has been shut off due to lack of payment. Many of our grant funds support this important program.

   $108,689 spentof which $108,689 as grants
   24% of program spending

3. Food assistance program. We assisted 1031 individuals and families with food for their daily living. Many of these individuals receive food assistance from us repeatedly throughout each year in one of two ways: (a) We very frequently deliver food to homes of those we serve. (b) In addition, we run 3 food pantries, open at scheduled times for pre-registered members of our communities to select and take home food for their families. One pantry is open once monthly, and the other two open as needed weekly, delivering to individuals and families in immediate need. Most of the pantry food is non-perishable, but we occasionally also receive produce and meat for distribution. In addition to the $40623.00 in food purchased from treasury funds, our food assistance also included $93,235.00 in donated food. As with all other assistance we provide, the cash donations and grant funds we receive enable us to make these purchases.

   $40,623 spentof which $40,623 as grants
   9% of program spending

4. Household items: beds, appliances, etc. We also receive in-kind goods that are given out to individuals and families. This year the amount was $1239.

   $3,069 spentof which $3,069 as grants
   1% of program spending

5. Clothing (non-cash assistance). We receive clothing donations which we distribute totaling this year $7837

   $128 spentof which $128 as grants
   0% of program spending

6. Personal care items (non cash assistance). We collect and distribute Personal Care items to those in need. The total was $17,533 in donated goods helping 438 people

   $17,533 spentof which $17,533 as grants
   4% of program spending

7. Transportation, This may include uber rides, car insurance, car payments, bikes, etc. We did also receive $2673 free in uber rides from a ymca program in addition to the $5483 that came from our funds.

   $5,483 spentof which $5,483 as grants
   1% of program spending

8. Medical expenses

   $1,319 spentof which $1,319 as grants
   0% of program spending

9. Personal identification: driver's license, state IDs, etc.

   $17,147 spentof which $17,147 as grants
   4% of program spending

10. Employment requirements

    $0 spent
    0% of program spending

11. Legal Services

    $2,886 spentof which $2,886 as grants
    1% of program spending

12. Disaster Services: Donation to National St. Vincent de Paul

    $10,000 spentof which $10,000 as grants
    2% of program spending

The 12 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $456,435.