SVDP Conferences
provide a way for
Catholic communities
to reach out to the
community at large.

Vincentians work in
support of many other
social services
providers as well

Two RESOURCE CENTERS have been opened in the county to focus on the needs of the homeless and the poorest Hispanic communities. The Beach Flats neighborhood and downtown homeless are served by the Holy Cross Resource Center. A food pantry dispenses food donated by Holy Cross parishioners or from the Second Harvest Food Bank. Volunteers, especially those with bilingual skills are always needed. Volunteer at (831) 469-0631.

The community of Pajaro, just over the county line and river bridge from Watsonville, is served by La Casa del la Cultura community center. On Salinas road in the heart of this community, the Center now provides not only a distribution center for food, clothing and aid referrals, but it also provides a meeting place for the community, with health and education services focused on the local needs. The St. Vincent De Paul Society leased the facility and staffs the operation to provide a location for ESL and citizenship classes as well as training in the music and dance arts for local children. The resource center started in a trailer behind the local Catholic church in late 1991 with food and clothing distributions. With it's expanded facility the Center can use volunteers with a variety of interests and skills. The Center's Director, Sr. Rosa Dolores, D.C. was named Woman of the Year for 1996 by the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce. She also carried the Olympic Torch to Salt Lake City. Volunteer at (831) 763-0702.

Our members provide continuing aid to the NEW HORIZONS SCHOOL for homeless and disadvantaged children, meals and household goods to the JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH HOUSE shelter for families. We also provide thrift store items at low cost to families referred by VALLEY CHURCHES UNITED MISSIONS of Ben Lomond and we prevent homelessness by supporting FAMILIES IN TRANSITION of Santa Cruz.