DePaul USA

DePaul USA is a part of Depaul International, a world-wide organization that aims to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. Their vision is of a society in which everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. Today, the former convent of the Immaculate Conception in Germantown provides the space where the work of the first DePaul USA in Pennsylvania is thriving. There, they house 27 formerly homeless men and provide them with meals, a place to live, and everything they need to restart their lives. After 6-12 months, they have a bank account, employment, and their own place and are no longer homeless.  DePaul also is providing care for homeless persons with disabilities and those needing care after hospitalization in their St. Raymond’s facility.

DePaul’s approach is grounded in the Vincentian values (i.e., the values of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul): They celebrate the potential of people, put their words into action, take a wider role in civil society, and believe in rights and responsibilities. They partner with other agencies in the community as part of a systemic initiative to stop the cycle of poverty and homelessness by offering holistic services in a dignified atmosphere focused on transformation and recovery. They have an 80% success rate in each of their key programs, meaning that they are accompanying and supporting one of the hardest populations of our city to transition into productive citizenship and employment.