How does the Voice of the Poor fit in with the mission of the Society?
As members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we see the face of Jesus in those we visit.  We have a responsibility to be a “Voice of the Poor (VOP),” and to speak out with those who have no voice.

“I was hungry and you gave me to eat.
I was thirsty and you gave me to drink.
I was in prison and you visited me.”

An important part of that mission is to be an advocate for the people we visit.  No other charity or social service agency visits people in their homes, listens to their stories and offers such compassionate hope and aid.  This puts us in a unique position to inform ourselves and those in our community regarding how decisions affect the people for whom we care.

 What are the main goals of the Voice of the Poor?
Our main goals are to:

1. Create awareness and generate interest amongst Vincentians around social justice issues.
2. Share stories about our ministry, the individuals and families we serve, and compelling statistics about the numbers of people in need whom we assist.
3. Advocate to bring about systemic change - in other words, to work for change that makes a lasting difference in the systems, institutions and people that create and sustain poverty and need.