Author: Sharon Winzeler

By Stephen Andrews Just before Christmas, our conference received a case that weighed heavily on our hearts. A mother of five was facing eviction after falling behind on her rent. With the holidays approaching, the fear of losing her home was overwhelming. When we visited her, we learned that her situation resulted from a series Read more

At the St. Vincent de Paul Society, we serve first by listening, by being present, and by offering compassion.  These services begin before we know whether financial assistance will be possible. Recently, our volunteers met a neighbor whose story reminds us why this ministry of accompaniment is so essential. A Move Made for Love Our Read more

At the St. Vincent de Paul Society, we know that life can change in an instant. A job loss, an unexpected expense, or a family crisis can push even the most hardworking individuals into financial hardship. Recently, our conference had the privilege of assisting two community members facing unique challenges who needed a helping hand Read more

When a 56-year-old single mother began feeling ill early in October, she had no idea her life was about to change so suddenly. On October 5, she went to the hospital, and doctors quickly discovered she was having a heart attack. Two arteries were blocked, requiring both a stent and a balloon procedure to restore Read more

When a young mother of two arrived in the Triangle, she was searching for stability and a better future. The hospital where she had worked had closed. She was promised a temporary job that would soon become permanent. Unfortunately, that promise never materialized. Without a steady income, she fell behind on rent and was eventually Read more

At 57, a mother of three found herself starting over. After leaving an abusive relationship, she needed a safe place to live for herself and her three children. With little time and few options, she moved into one of the few places that didn’t require a security deposit. The trade-off on the security deposit makes Read more

It was an ordinary day when one of our neighbors received a bill she never expected. The propane company had filled her tank without authorization, leaving her with a balance she could not afford. For most of us, an unexpected bill is an inconvenience. For her, it felt overwhelming. This neighbor has already endured so Read more

When unexpected challenges arise, families often find themselves caught among health struggles, financial setbacks, and the day-to-day responsibilities of raising children. The St. Vincent de Paul Society stepped in to walk alongside a father in our community who found himself in just such a situation that could have resulted in an eviction. The neighbor is Read more

Our neighbor has lived in his apartment since October and recently completed his master’s degree at a local university. When his graduate stipend ended in May, he began driving for Uber but soon fell behind on his bills. Thankfully, he has secured a teaching position that begins this week, but he needed help to avoid Read more

For St. Vincent de Paul volunteer Maureen, the work she does is not just about providing financial assistance—it’s about meeting people where they are and walking with them through their struggles. Recently, she shared two stories that deeply touched her heart and captured the spirit of SVdP’s mission. One involved a 41-year-old father of two Read more