Mission Statement: The Palo Alto Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides emergency help to families and individuals in need. SVDP provides help with food, rent, utilities, clothing, the purchase of medical prescriptions, and other necessities of life.

Persons needing help come to the Pastoral Center located at 3290 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. The office hours of the SVDP workers are Mondays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Persons in need can call the help line 650-424-8155 during the work hours or at any other time. Your call will be returned. We also visit the homes of clients. Emergency help is available on weekends.

We do three St. Vincent de Paul Programs every year:

Food Drive: Food is collected year round and placed in the vestibules of the churches. During the month of November we ask our parishioners to be especially generous in their giving to our food collection program. Since the majority of the people we help are homeless, we ask for foods that are portable and highly nutritious: bottled water, hearty soups or chili in flip top cans, crackers, Vienna sausage, fruit cups, granola bars, & juice pouches (Capri Sun).

Advent Giving Tree in Preparation for Christmas: On the first Sunday of Advent, the Christmas tree is adorned with tags bearing the name of a requested gift. Parishioners choose a tag or tags, and bring the unwrapped present(s) to place under the tree.

May is Layette Month: A crib or basket is on display in the church vestibule ready to receive layette items or the funds needed to purchase layette items. Any donated item from the following list is most appreciated. A full layette consists of the following items: 1 pkg of disposable diapers newborn or stage 1, Onesies 0-6 mos or 6-9 mos, Sleepers 0-6 mos or 6-9 mos, 3 booties, 3 receiving blankets, 1 newborn hat, 1 bib, 1 infant towel, 3 infant washcloths, 6 infant cloth diapers, 1 crib blanket, 1 outfit 0-6 mos or 6-9 mos, 1 small infant plush toy or rattle, 1 book.

During FY 2011-2012 our Conference served 1,470 people and gave out 831 food bags.

Office Hours:
Mondays: 11 AM - 1 PM
Wednesdays: 3PM - 5PM
Contact: 650-424-8155