St. Vincent de Paul society continues to help those in need

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church is a social ministry committed to serving those in need in Dripping Springs and northern Hays County. Last year, they gave out $70,000 in financial assistance alone.

The ministry serves parishioners and nonparishioners alike — regardless of race, creed, gender, criminal justice status or national origin. Those in need can receive help with food, financial assistance, referrals to community services and other special projects or needs by calling the society’s helpline and leaving a message. Started in 2011, the society has helped thousands of people pay bills, provide for their families and get back on their feet.

With a 12-page-long packet of resources and information, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul offers a veritable cornucopia of help to Dripping Springs area residents. From expectant mothers to seniors and the elderly, the society offers a confidential system of support for those struggling to receive assistance.

The only requirement is that recipients live within the parish boundaries, which includes Dripping Springs and the most northern half of Hays County.

“We're an independent society: Catholic-based but we serve everyone,” said Connie Kersten, president of Society of St. Vincent de Paul. “Anyone who wants to can show up to our food pantry or call our hotline and receive resources without having to prove or establish their need.”

The society’s food pantry, which is part of the Central Texas Food Bank Network, has run continuously for over a decade, according to Kersten.

“We have kept the pantry going for as long as we’ve been around, even during the pandemic,” Kersten said. “People would pull through the parking lot, and we’d just put things in trunks.”

The food pantry is well used, she commented, and serves over 30 to 40 families a week — totaling well over 500 people per month.

“This spring, we started opening the food pantry during evening hours,” Kersten said. “With prices going up and fuel going up, it’s getting harder for people to make ends meet — even when they work one or more jobs. So, we started evening hours to allow people to come by after work.”

The pantry — located behind the St. Martin de Porres church — is open every Monday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Those wishing to receive the free food can choose from milk, eggs, cheese and frozen meats in addition to basic staples such as rice, bread, canned goods and more.

The society’s 50 members take turns volunteering at the pantry and with the hotline. For those requiring significant financial assistance (especially for rent or utilities), volunteers will also visit their homes to try to figure out what Kersten calls “the whole package,” listening and planning in order to provide personalized help.

“Our home visit teams come to the person or family in need to listen to those

we serve in a comfortable, private way,” she explained. “We’re just neighbors reaching out to neighbors in order to optimize the assistance we can give.”

Although the society’s hotline is not manned around the clock, callers are asked to leave a message, and volunteers will respond within 24 hours.

To reach the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s hotline, call (512) 859-3740. For more information, visit stmartindp.org/ society-of-st-vincent-depaul-.

For more about St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Dripping Springs, visit stmartindp. org.