During this time, SVdP CARES is dedicated to continuing its service to many of the vulnerable neighbors in our community. SVdP CARES is following all guidelines and policies regarding COVID-19 while ensuring that people experiencing the crises of hunger and homelessness receive excellence in care.
You are part of the SVdP CARES family that is made up of passionate donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners who sacrifice daily to give people a hand up as they begin anew to thrive. Your continued participation in this life-giving cause is needed today more than ever, as together we face this unprecedented health emergency.
What SVdP CARES is Doing
CARE Center/Center of Hope
To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, SVdP CARES is capping the number of those residing in the downtown St. Petersburg CARE Center (shelter). This measure affects individual males and females who are homeless and reside in St. Petersburg but does not affect services to US Veterans and families with children who are living in the Center of Hope.
Social distancing is encouraged and masks are mandatory in all common spaces. Additionally, SVdP CARES is implementing measures to monitor the health of our clients in compliance with CDC guidelines.
Food Center
SVdP CARES remains committed to feeding those who are hungry. In light of the additional pressure being put on the service industry to cease operations, SVdP CARES has seen an increase of people coming to the Food Center and is relying on volunteers to ensure that access to healthy meals continues. SVdP CARES is taking extra precautions to promote health and safety, including:
- Maintaining social distancing and the highest standards of cleanliness as recommended by the CDC
- Limiting the number of people in the dining room to under 50 at any given time
- Requiring people to take and eat their food outdoors when possible to limit exposure
Supportive Services for Veteran Families/Rapid Rehousing Programs
Throughout SVdP CARES 16 county service area, these programs remain fully functional and are implementing measures to monitor the health of our clients in compliance with CDC guidelines.
What You Can Do to Help
There is a need for gently used blankets, linens, sleeping bags, towels, and toiletries. Items may be dropped at the donation entrance of the CARE Center off of the 5th Avenue side at 401 15th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
To make a financial contribution, please visit: SVdPSP.org/Donate.
The Food Center is in need of particular food donations. Please click here for the list of items.
Give back through our Amazon Wishlist or by adding SVdP CARES to Amazon Smile. Vist SVdP.CARE/amazon to learn more.
To make a donation of furniture or other items to the SVdP CARES Community Thrift Store, please Click Here.
As we all come together to support one another, let us reflect on the words of St. Vincent de Paul: