Who are we ?

The St. Vincent De Paul Society is a non-profit organization, with a mission to look after the poor, regardless of affiliation. We have recently been established in Bir Zeit as a committee of ten local people who represent a wide spectrum of our village. Our commitment is to work as a volunteer group to create and organize projects aimed at providing what is urgently needed for the poor.

"The poor will always be with us." We see poverty as having many dimensions: spiritual, social, emotional, psychological, physical and financial. St. Vincent De Paul Society's strategy is not simply to distribute food, but to start development Not just to feed, but to teach people how to produce and acquire food with dignity. The person is the center point of our mission and service. Restoring the Human Pen on is primary target for St Vincent De Paul Society.

We are relying on our own creativity for planning and achieving our goals. Our strategy is not to waft for things to happen, hut to make them happen. By offering what we have: time, energy, gifts, friendships, connections, etc. for the benefit of our people.

How will we reach our goals?

1) Encourage local people who are able to support our programs either spiritually, morally, physically or financially, to do so.

2) Raise local awareness of the importance of solidarity, through promoting educational programs, encouraging volunteering activities, organzzing local flind raising. and starting small income generating projects.

3) To be a link to the larger world as a channel for NGOs to work with our community. As well as strengthening and promoting solidarity between communities, churches, schools and youth groups worldwide.

Plan of Action

Our plans are focused around three special intervention funds for: 1)

Relief by providing services for the mentally and physically handicapped, elderly, women and children.

2) The Family by offering housing for young people, funds for house maintenance, counseling, special education, scholarships, continuous education and family training.

3) Restoring the Economy through job creation, a revolving Rind for starting and supporting small enterprises, and income generating projects.

For further information please contact Fr. Emil Salayta, Chaplain.