St. Vincent de Paul to Introduce Neighborhoods of Hope Program to New Mexico Members

“Over 43 million people are living in poverty in our country, so clearly we can do more. Too many of the people we serve struggle to get on a path to sustainability. (Neighborhoods of Hope) is a new tool that Vincentians will have in our Systemic Change toolbox to change that.” -Sheila Gilbert, president of the National Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society

Volunteers and supporters of St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe will gather on July 29 for their annual meeting in the community of Pojoaque (about 17 miles north of Santa Fe). The meeting, which will be held at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Del Valle de Pojoaque Catholic Church, 9 Grazing Elk Dr.  (map), will include a presentation of SVDP's new program, Neighborhoods of Hope.

According to the organization, the program will coalesce stakeholders, including those living in the neighborhoods served, and representatives fr om all sectors around a common agenda to combat poverty in specific communities. "Two things that make NOH unique are that it brings people in poverty to the table and that it focuses on a neighborhood, rather than an entire community," said SVDP.

"I’m excited that N OH will bring business leaders, service providers, the faith community, and the people we serve into a single conversation,”said SVDP national council board member Jack Murphy.

Registration for the meeting in Pojoaque starts at 8:30 a.m., and the program is scheduled for 9:00-3:00 p.m.  Lunch is $5.  For more information contact Eva Pereira  (eva.svdp@gmail.com)