Society of St Vincent de Paul services in Belfast

The disadvantaged in the city of Belfast can turn to the Society of St Vincent de Paul for support. The church based group and the volunteers that work with it provide help to the margalised from their main centre on Antrim Road. The Belfast charity operates many programmes as noted below.

The main shop from the charity is located at 196-200 Antrim Road. Dozens of volunteers help operate this Belfast location. This is where residents can stop by to acquire goods ranging from clothing to furniture for their home. The items for sale will normally be lightly worn or gently used, but in some cases the St. Vincent store will sell new clothing.

People of all incomes can shop at the site as there are no limits. The money they spend will go towards running the programmes operated and can therefore go to helping the less fortunate. So if someone buys their clothing at the store, any profits from Saint Vincent may be recycled into providing someone housing or maybe a parcel of food.

Social housing is run by Saint Vincent in Belfast. The units are offered in partnership with local housing authorities as well as charities such as De Paul Ireland. The aim is to provide the low income and homeless with accommodations and support services. While flats are located across Northern Ireland, there are about 700 units in the city of Belfast, with many of them dedicated to helping older people over the age of 55. There is also housing for the disabled and single people too. Find more details on social housing schemes.

Anyone who need housing help may be placed into a hostel first. At that location they will be able to benefit from advice from the volunteers at the Belfast Society of St Vincent de Paul. They will offer them information on employment and how to sustain their tenancy when the time is right. Once the individual is more stable and has a source of income for a rent payment, then they can proceed.

The low income can partner with the volunteer in applying for housing benefits which will also assist them with their rent. If they do not have the case to move into the new home, then deposit schemes will be reviewed. All of this is part of the social housing programmes from the charity.

Free vouchers are offered by the church. These are cards, or paper, that can be used to provide supplies for a St. Vincent client in Belfast. Many forms of support are provided, and find information on voucher schemes.

Saint Vincent De Paul Daycare Centres are for senior citizens in Belfast. Support staff work with the older person to help the older person continue to live in their home. No matter what the need is, whether it is food or medical care, assistance will be arranged.

Services from the volunteers will include cooked meals. They can also use the centre on Antrim Road for personal hygiene care, including showers. Hair dressing services are also arrange at the location. The location may also have a nurse drop by for basic check ups.

Meals on Wheels schemes are available in Belfast from St. Vincent De Paul, and they are a partner organisation of the Primary and Community Care for Older Peoples’ Services. This will bring clients of the daycare centres a hot or frozen food or meal item if they can’t prepare one on their own. It is local to Belfast. If someone is not eligible for this scheme, then there are additional home delivered meal programmes to try.

Other assistance and referrals are offered too, including emergency assistance such as clothing, food, prepaid cards for fuel and more. While there are many churches in the area that partner with the society, the main location is at 196-200 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 2AJ, telephone 028 9035 1561.