The Society of St.

Vincent de Paul traces its origins to Paris in 1833, where six university students —
spurred by the challenges of their classmates — began to meet the needs of the city's suffering poor.

The students walked the streets of Paris, engaging in person-to-person ministry to the poor, confident
that Christ would be revealed through their loving acts. Inspired by our founder Frederic Ozanam and
patron St. Vincent de Paul, the tiny group today is an international organization with members in 150
countries, helping others through neighborhood ministry.

The Cincinnati District Council has been working personally with Cincinnati and Hamilton County
neighbors for 150 years. Whether offering food to a single mom, comfort to those who are alone or
warm coats to children during the cold winter months, our more than 900 volunteers live their faith in
service to others.

We work personally with those in need, regardless of race or creed, to offer spiritual, emotional and
material assistance. Personalized care via home visits to those in need has been the hallmark of our
service. Our ability to reach the ‘dispersed poor’ in neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati is unparalleled.