Honolulu’s St. Vincent de Paul Society handed out more than $50,000 in direct aid, plus $370 in furniture and clothing, to 85 families from October 2005 through September 2006. The assistance, helping a total of 337 people, went mostly toward rent, according to a report by Bill Westphalen, treasurer of the Honolulu District Council.
The exact amount of money distributed was $50,655.46. Other help included food, and the payment of transportation, utility and medical bills.
In addition to providing direct aid — the primary function of the organization — the society also sponsors and co-owns a 72-unit affordable rent apartment complex in Pearl City. The Manana Gardens Apartments, four three-story buildings of two bedroom units, is managed by the St. Vincent de Paul Social Services Housing Corporation.
According to the report, St. Vincent de Paul also seeks out other resources and social agencies, Catholic Charities for example, “when the society is unable to help with a genuine need.”
“Most Catholic Charity funds are restricted to a specific use. The funds of St. Vincent de Paul can be used for any charitable purpose,” the report stated. “Thus the two agencies can collectively meet many needs that would otherwise remain unfilled.”
“A typical situation would be sharing rent payment or acquiring an airline ticket,” the report said.
The Manana Gardens Apartments units rent for $760 per month. Tenants with qualifying incomes may receive state rent subsidies of up to $215 per month. About 320 persons live in the complex with one apartment occupied by a resident manager.
Profits in excess of corporation needs are donated to the society which uses the income to pay for insurance, an annual financial review and IRS Form 990 preparation, and office supplies. Any excess is given to the conferences for the needy.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society can be reached at (808) 456-7837 or svdphawaii@aol.com. Information concerning the society is available online at www.svdphawaii .org. Active and contributing members are very much in need.