Help in a Hurry

Last month, two of our case managers encountered a homeless, disabled gentleman outside our Georgetown office who was in very bad shape, both emotionally & physically.  He was suffering from a severe staph infection and, due to his homelessness, was unable to tend to his open wounds as well as address his general hygiene needs. He was unable to stay at a shelter due to the type and severity of his infection.  Although he was first on a housing waiting list through DESC (he provided documentation), he had another month before he would be placed. His antibiotics and his cell phone had been stolen, he had no money for the bus, had not eaten in days and was contemplating suicide.

Our staff and volunteers jumped into action to help this man.  He clearly had not experienced much empathy in quite a while.  Our case managers took the guest to see Erik in the Food Bank, who provided this man with food, toiletries, and bus tickets.  Our volunteer nurse, Judy, sat down with him to discuss his medical issues and needs. Judy then connected him with the SVdP Help Line, where Maria contacted St. Patrick’s conference.  One of their Vincentians, Dick, happened to be on site today and arranged to help him with a week-long stay at a motel. Our case manager, Jenn, provided him with bus route information to the motel where he would be spending the next week.

Donations and sales from our Thrift Stores, as well as the compassion and kindness of our staff and volunteers make it possible for St. Vincent de Paul to be there when people need help.