St. Vincent de Paul Opens Arms to Help All Dedhamites

Sometimes having the resources to provide food, clothing, money and other help just doesn't do the trick. People have to know who you are and how to find you.

In an attempt to increase visibility in Dedham, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul turned to the Board of Selectmen in Dedham to spread the word that they are here to help anyone in need - regarless of religious affliation, or a lackof.

"We don't know how to identify the people that need the aid," said Joe Griffin, a parishoner at St. Susanna's. "We help everybody. The only requirement is that you need the help."

In 2011 alone, the two Dedham conferences of St. Vincent's helped give $45,000 to residents in need.

"We don't give out aid for the sake of giving out aid. We actually go out and verify the need," Griffin said.

St. Vincent's provides services such as food vouchers, rental and tuition assistance, holiday meals, and refer people if they need other help.

"I'm seeing, and we are all seeing, the need increasing into demographics that we have never seen before," said Rev. Cheryl Kerr, of Allin Congregational Church. "The need, certainly, is out there right here in Dedham."

St. Vincent's organizes a Walk for the Poor each year as their main fundraiser, but are looking to implement other ways to bring in money.

"People are struggling. I think that this is one way that we can get the word out," selectmen chair Jim MacDonald said.