History of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

Frederic Ozanam founded the Saint Vincent De Paul Society in 1856. Inspired by Saint Vincent De Paul’s work and care the homeless Ozanam worked in aiding and improving the lives of the needy people suffering in his community. Ozanam was a simply layperson who took the image of Saint Vincent de Paul as the society patron. Under the guidance of the Daughters of Charity, a religious organization of women who vow to serve the poor, the origination flourished

Frederic Ozanam

In 1860 the Society was established in San Francisco, with the same mission in mind, to aid the poor and suffering while improving their quality of life. Today the Society serves over 1,000 clients A DAY, suffering form homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence.

Saint Vincent de Paul, San Francisco runs the largest homeless shelter in California. The Society has developed special works, which include four areas of assistance. These four special works include; The Homeless shelter, the Domestic Violence shelter, the Vincentian Help Desk and The Wellness Center.