Dear friend,

Please meet James*. He’s a devoted dad to an active toddler, Matthew. Like so many struggling families, he anxiously walks a financial tightrope each month.

When James’ car suddenly needed new brakes, his tightrope nearly snapped. He had no extra money to pay for repairs, and without a working car, he risked missing work… and missing rent.

I’ll share more about James and Matthew soon. But first, I want you to know the amazing opportunity you have to prevent family homelessness. You can support neighbors needing help this season and be part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison’s second century of service.

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Donate to Prevent Family Homelessness

Donate

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Today, so many people are struggling to make ends meet. Dane County rents continue to increase at much higher rates than incomes. Rising food costs burden families who are already stretched thin. The struggle to afford rent and pay housing expenses is the biggest financial burden on our neighbors—and the biggest reason your help is needed right now.

With summer break coming soon, many kids will miss out on school lunches. I want them to have nutritious meals throughout the summer to fuel their growing minds and bodies.

Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison buys produce, meat, dairy items, and personal care supplies. With you, adults get food to make dinner and kids get the nutrition they need to grow. Without you, families suffer and are hungry.

Just $120 provides one 75-lb. order of food to one family. That’s two weeks’ worth of groceries made possible by accessing free and reduced-cost food and using bulk and wholesale vendors.

James and his son, Matthew. When James’ car suddenly needed new brakes, his financial tightrope nearly snapped. Your generosity will feed his family from the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry today!

Back to James’ story… He works full-time processing claims for an insurance company and sees promising opportunities for advancement. He feels fortunate to live in “affordable” housing, but he still pays more than 50% of his income on rent. He struggles to keep his car running, pay utilities, and afford Matthew’s childcare costs. He walks an unstable financial tightrope each month.

Your generosity will feed his family. When he visits the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry for groceries, the money he saves goes to other necessary expenses. With this help, he can pay his bills and not worry about falling behind on rent. Plus, he gets diapers and wipes from the pantry – items not covered by SNAP (government food assistance). That’s why he’s so grateful for you.

Your gift today will help with James and Matthew’s hunger and housing worries. Just $120 from you will bring help today and hope for tomorrow. Any amount is meaningful because joined together, generosity creates a network of care.

Will you be there for James and Matthew this spring? Look at the amazing good you can do…

• Your gift will fuel growing children with healthy food including, meat, produce, pantry staples, milk, and cheese.
• Your gift will break down barriers by delivering food to homebound, elderly, and disabled neighbors who can’t reach our pantry.
• Your gift will nourish dialysis patients with special diets and constraints on their time and energy.

Volunteers prepare to bring food outside to cars waiting in the drive-through pantry. When neighbors like James visit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry for groceries, the money they save goes to other necessary expenses – mainly rent, utilities, and childcare.

Your care guarantees our neighbors won’t be hungry because they can get food from the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Your care means that our neighbors can pay for unexpected expenses and the rent – and not fall into homelessness.

I hope you’ll join us in helping our neighbors in need, like James and Matthew. Your donation today will be working tomorrow because with you… lives change.

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Donate to Prevent Family Homelessness

Donate

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James is a young father with a drive to succeed and the tenacity to push through hard times. Because of you, he will make ends meet. He is so grateful for your help. On behalf of the generations of neighbors who’ve come before us, I thank you for your generosity during St. Vincent de Paul — Madison’s first century of service.

Will you give a meaningful gift to support the families needing our help this year and to launch our second century of service? I know you care about vulnerable families, and I’m honored that you’ve chosen St. Vincent de Paul — Madison as a partner for this important work.

You can be the strength that alleviates suffering for James and other families relying on the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Please donate now: /donate/.

In gratitude for you,

Julie Bennett

CEO & Executive Director

Please rush your gift before May 20th so every family needing food can get help. Your support this season will help launch St. Vincent de Paul — Madison’s second century of service!