The SVP is the biggest charitable organisation helping those in need in Dublin and has been working in the region since 1844. Throughout the City and County 280 local Conference units and over 3,000 members, composed of volunteers based in local parishes, work on various projects including:
- Home visitation, providing financial and practical help
- Assisting with educational support, helping students,
- Caring for the homeless in Dublin, through hostels & hospital / prison visitations
Wherever there is need the Society attempts to help. Through the generosity of the public, the SVP raises funding for this work by Church Gate collections, through flag days, from bequests received in Wills and other generous donations. In the past year around €20million has been spent on assistance to those in need in Dublin, helping to provide food, fuel and direct financial support as well as giving help in other ways.
Home visitation, providing financial and practical help
Home visitation is the cornerstone of the organisation. Through person-to-person contact, the SVP is committed to respecting the dignity of those we assist and helping to foster their self-respect. In the provision of material and other forms of help and support we assure confidentiality at all times and try to establish relationships based on trust, friendship and respect. The SVP believes it is not enough to provide short-term material support and therefore tries to achieve self-sufficiency in the longer-term and the sense of self-worth that this provides.