In downtown Chamblee is the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. But what residents may not realize is that the thrift store is part of a much larger and older organization. Just around the corner from the thrift store on Chamblee Tucker Road is the office for St. Vincent de Paul Georgia.
St. Vincent de Paul Georgia dates back to 1903 founded by a group of parishioners in Atlanta.120 years later, the organization has grown and continues to serve the community and beyond offering much-needed programs for Georgians in need, including those in Chamblee.
Brian Dooling, director of Marketing and Communications with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, says that as an organization, they love being located in Chamblee. "It's a vibrant urban city with a diverse community, and our Support Center is conveniently located near a MARTA Station, so we are accessible to our neighbors that may be in need."
The organization’s mission is to provide help and hope to neighbors in need, stabilizing those in crisis and creating paths to self-sufficiency. And according to Brian, they keep focused on that mission. "The impact we have in the community has resonated with our donors to continually support us, whether it be individuals or corporations."
The organization offers a number of programs such as a food pantry, medical and wellness services, housing programs and more.
The Food Pantry
The organization has food pantries across the state and relies on donations from others such as Kroger, Publix, and more to provide food to more than 50,000 individuals per year. The Chamblee facility is also equipped with a Teaching Kitchen where individuals can learn to prepare tasty and nutritious meals using ingredients from the pantry.
Health Services
The pharmacy was launched in 2021 and has served more than 3,500 patients providing no-cost and low-cost prescriptions, and other needed medications. Additional health services include over-the-counter medications, medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and more, and health services referrals.
Housing
St. Vincent de Paul works to create housing stability for individuals and families during times of need by providing emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, and utilities, transitional housing, temporary housing, and housing referrals and resources.
Clark’s Christmas Kids
Clark Howard, the radio and television personality, provides foster kids in Georgia with Christmas gifts during the holidays. Through this initiative, SVdP works with other partners to make the holidays brighter for thousands of kids.
Thrift Stores
The thrift store in downtown Chamblee is one of 9 in the state, and proceeds raised go to fund the programs and services the organization offers. Donations can be dropped off at the thrift store. There's a list of items accepted for donation on the SVdP website.
Volunteers
SVdP relies on its community volunteers. The 2022 Annual Report states that almost 7,000 volunteers working 166,448 hours helped the organization make an impact across the state by serving their communities at St. Vincent de Paul.
Brian says it's astounding just how many people from all walks of life come to SVdP to give their time and talent as volunteers. "From college students to business professionals to retirees to people who just want to lend a hand - they come to St. Vincent de Paul to make a difference, and they absolutely do!"
To learn more about the organization, hear stories of impact, volunteer, or donate, visit svdpgeorgia.org.
"...they (volunteers) come to St. Vincent de Paul to make a difference, and they absolutely do!" Brian Dooling, director of Marketing and Communications for SVdP
