Affordable Housing

For 15 years the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Juneau has focused on local homeless issues. In that time, we have built 15 Transitional Housing apartments for homeless families with children, eleven apartments for single homeless disabled, 29 apartments for low-income households and 24 apartments for low-income seniors (Smith Hall, shown here). More than 100 households are housed or kept from eviction by the Society each year.

Childcare

The St. Vincent de Paul Childcare Center is entering its second decade. This state licensed, full-time child development center has a mission to realize the full potential of every child we contact, regardless of income, race, place of origin, or physical/mental ability. We serve low-income children, children in state foster care, children living in our shelter, disabled special needs children and any child whose parents want to expose them to the beautiful diversity of our community. Older children attend Head Start classes at the Juneau Pioneer Home.

Economic Assistance

Direct assistance to the needy is provided throughout the year in various ways. Sometimes it is help with rent or mortgage payments. Sometimes it is help with the electric bill or heating oil. All too often it is finding money for essential health care needs.

At Thanksgiving and Christmas, Society volunteers assemble and distribute holiday food baskets to needy households and seniors. The Christmas “Adopt-A-Family” program links donors with children whose families face a bleak holiday season. In 2008, 167 children received gifts from caring families, businesses and individuals.

Food vouchers are available throughout the year. Our first rule is, “no one leaves St. Vincent de Paul hungry”.

Loan Program

The Southeast Alaska Financial Opportunity Association is a credit union for low-income households. Applicants may be approved for small micro-loans to cover short term financial emergencies like car repairs, move-in expenses or medical bills. Loan payments are based on the monthly budget of the household. If all payments are made on time, the interest (less than 5%) is refunded to the applicant.