Home visitation is the core work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and is a way by which people can be supported and encouraged to take control of their lives.  It allows St Vincent de Paul members the privileged opportunity to enter another’s home and life, to accompany them as they move forward.

Anne and Elizabeth, volunteers with St Vincent de Paul Deepdene & Balwyn Conference, reflect on their experiences with home visits.  

Anne

This was my first visit with Genny. I joined SVDP this year along with my husband Jeff, and feel so privileged to hopefully give a helping hand to those in need.

My heartfelt story is of a young man named Yasin who has deteriorating eyesight due to untreated diabetes. His eyesight is so bad that he could not even read the console pad in his North Melbourne high rise to allow us entry. The only way Genny and I were able to contact Yasin after repeatedly ringing his doorbell was to phone him. Yasin looks after his mum who was lying on the floor in a very bad way as she  needs dialysis three times a week. Due to a sprinkler system automatically turning on, their flat had been saturated. All their bedding was ruined. Yasin required two new beds and linen to make life a little more comfortable. He never asked for anything more, even though we insisted, and he did not want a food voucher. The beds were all he needed because at the time they were sleeping on the floor.

This beautiful gentle man touched my heart as to how little he wanted and yet he had so little in his life. I still think of Yasin often and pray God will bless him and his mum in the future.

Elizabeth

Jodi is one of our regulars. Probably in her 40s and already missing her front teeth. Her home is a modest little terrace, and I rather think there are homeless friends couch surfing inside because Jodi prefers to meet us outside in the yard. Jodi is estranged from her daughter and has never so much as seen a photo of her grandchild. She is street wise, yet vulnerable. She effusively thanked us for the Christmas treats lovingly baked by our parish Friendship Group and especially wanted us to know that she had shared them.

Ideally we strive to provide ‘a hand up’ , but for regulars like Jodi it is another hand out: a voucher for some food and a Vinnies store card for clothing. Unlike the increasing numbers of women desperately searching for accommodation, Jodi at least has her own home.

Thank you for your continued support of the Vinnies Winter Appeal.

All donations to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal are gratefully appreciated.  Donations can be made direct to your applicable Parish Conference by visiting their donation page using the below link or QR code.  You can also download the Appeal Donation Form. Learn more about the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

Camberwell Conference

Deepdene & Balwyn Conference

Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference