For many of us, tending to vulnerable people is not only a job but our ability to fulfil our Vincentian mission. Ever since 1617, when St Vincent de Paul first responded to the needs of a poor family dying of starvation, Vincentians across the world have continued his legacy by dedicating their lives to serving the poor. These kind acts have brought justice, change and compassion to poverty-stricken individuals over centuries, and it is these same Vincentian values that inspire our projects today. 

But almost overnight our capability to respond to our clients’ needs has been hindered as we find ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic. Consequently, many of you have been left questioning - How can I continue to live out the Vincentian charism?

How has COVID-19 affected the Vincentian family?

When crisis strikes, those who are already experiencing poverty are the ones who bear the burden the most, and they need our help. But the coronavirus outbreak has posed many operational barriers to our projects, particularly on the forefront of the services where close physical interaction is a necessity. Much of our work requires direct contact with clients - something that’s not conducive with social distancing and isolation in place.

What’s more, our clients are amongst the most vulnerable in the community and it is our responsibility to protect them. Thus, we must be even more vigilant in our undertakings and mindful of our own health to avoid spreading the virus. This has only further prohibited our ability to carry out many of our services.

So, whether you run a resource centre for people experiencing homelessness or care for elderly people in their home, you’re certainly not alone if your day-to-day duties have been drastically impacted by this pandemic. 

How did St Vincent de Paul respond to crisis?

If we backtrack to the seventeenth century we will see that our originators were not exempt from such exceptional circumstances. At such a time when the plague was rife, many people suffered extreme hardship including physical, social and psychological disadvantages.

St Vincent paved the way for social and humanitarian action, offering guidance and practical advice to those who could help. He wrote to friends, Bishops and Priests, inspiring them to be creative in finding ways to serve the poor where traditional methods where no longer feasible. Missionaries were sent to affected areas, charity collections of money, food and clothing were organised, medical assistance was arranged, shelter was provided for the homeless and care was coordinated for the elderly and orphaned children.

Indeed, the Daughters of Charity were amongst those on the frontline tending to individuals who were bearing the misfortunes afflicted by the plague. While St Vincent was on mission to organise as much aid and relief as possible to alleviate all the suffering, he encouraged anyone that offered their services to take all necessary precautions to ensure they remained safe and healthy themselves.

“The only thing I recommend most earnestly and ardently to you is to take all reasonable precautions to preserve your health."

– St Vincent de Paul

How can we continue to service the poor during lockdown?

Like most other industries in the world, coronavirus has forced many charities to modify their operations. Here is a list of things we can still do to help vulnerable people in the community:

• Contribute to local food and clothing banks

• Offer over-the-phone support

• Check in with clients and offer advice where appropriate

• Send emergency supplies to vulnerable community members

• Create online resources that comfort, reassure and educate families

• Prevent and reduce social isolation and loneliness by creating online communities

• Continue critical services where possible

• Organise fun and/or education classes via online meeting services such as Zoom or Skype

• Be aware of our communities’ needs and respond where possible

At this uncertain time, we can be guided by our founders and how they responded to the needs of vulnerable people during emergencies. We note how they adapted their critical services with an acute lack of resources, how they continued to show empathy to one another and placed the needs of others at the heart of everything they did. ​​​​​​​

Now is also a time to revisit and be encouraged by our values; to be entirely at the disposal of those we serve, to respect each person’s dignity, to be compassionate, to enable change and to act in solidarity for justice. Let our values inspire us to meet the needs of people suffering the ravages of poverty and enable us to adapt where the current circumstance has obstructed our usual procedures.

It is at unprecedented times like these that our true Vincentian values shine through the work that we do, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Vincentian family. We have seen remarkable dedication across all of our projects to ensure we remain on mission throughout this pandemic.

Vulnerable people need our care now more than ever. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the operation of your services, or you would like to discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 “We should assist the poor in every way and do it both by ourselves and by enlisting the help of others.” 

– St Vincent de Paul