St Vincent De Paul Society assistance programs Cameron County.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Camron County helps the low income, poor, disadvantage, immigrants, and needy. Among the resources in Harlingen and the county include a thrift store for furniture, clothes, or household supplies. Based on the sale of items there, the SVDP may offer funds to help with bills, medical supplies, rent, food and other costs.
Vincentians from the society will visit the vulnerable and struggling to determine needs. This may include bring a meal, some clothing or hygiene items, or applications for financial help. Whether utilities, medications, food, or something else, assistance is offered.
Low cost thrift store and free items
In an effort to help people in the Cameron County community, St Vincent De Paul Society has a few tools available to them. One is the thrift store. The second are vouchers for shopping at the store, and the third is the free food bank and soup kitchen. Of course, this is in addition to all of their other assistance programs, such as the financial ones.
Each one of them operates differently. In general the store sells items to the public with online sales/inventory as well. So this is where people can buy low cost goods such as clothes, furniture, or electronics. For those facing a man-made or natural disaster, or in extreme financial challenges, there will be vouchers given out from Harlingen Society of Saint Vincent. They can be “redeemed” at the thrift store for so the shopper does not need to pay for the items. So, in effect they are free. Or find more details on online marketplaces.
Now the food bank is a little different. This is open to the public, no questions asked. But if the shelves are empty, then the community will not be able to shop there. As the pantry will only give out what they can based on donations from the public and/or partners such as Feeding America. This may be groceries, personal toiletries, and other household supplies.
So, each of the programs is different. But the goal is to always help the community, and in particular the less fortunate. They can either save money by using these resources, or they can be given what they need for free.
Assistance for bills from St. Vincent in Cameron County
During the application process for financial assistance, case management services are available, often in the form of a home visit from a SVDP volunteer. During this process, staff worker from Harlingen St. Vincent will direct clients to cash grants that can be used by individuals and low income families who are without resources to secure their own housing or pay for their own food.
Any funds for paying bills or living expenses will involve the creation of a case plan. The team from the agency will assist him/her in developing this plan. There will be follow up needed, confirmation that things are on path, and other steps to be taken such as around job skills and income. This is required and the client must prove they are working towards the goals of residential stability.
Once things are on track, the Society of Saint Vincent case manager will work with the client to assess a variety of financial aid programs. The needs that can be met include, but are not limited to affordable housing, education, money for rent, employment, utility disconnection services, medical, mental health, public aid and legal issues. The process will also help people obtain any needed hygiene items such as food or proper identification for employment.
Priority is often given to those most at risk without financial help. Examples may be someone facing homelessness without rent help or money for utilities. Or a sick person may be given a voucher to pay for prescription drugs or immigrants are referred to housing, ESL classes, or legal aid. Other support may be offered too.
Applying to the Cameron County St Vincent De Paul Society
The thrift store is open to anyone to shop at. Call for hours. As far as the other resources, including emergency funds, medical needs, and other assistance, formal applications and screening is required. The main address is 405 W Jackson St, Harlingen, TX 78550. Call (956) 428-8530.
|
