CINCINNATI, March 20, 2020 – Hundreds of families across Greater Cincinnati who were facing the possibility of being evicted from their home just received a second chance. On Thursday, March 19, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati presented St. Vincent de Paul with a $50,000 donation to be used for its ongoing homelessness prevention efforts.

In 2019, St. Vincent de Paul provided $1.68 million in rent and utility assistance as part of its homelessness prevention initiatives. In addition to helping alleviate the initial financial need, the organization also provides those it helps with long-term solutions such as budget counseling, financial literacy programs and other wraparound resources. St. Vincent de Paul also oversees the City of Cincinnati’s Eviction Prevention Initiative, which helps provide funds for those being evicted.

“We couldn’t be more thankful to the Rotary Club of Cincinnati for this generous gift,” says St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Mike Dunn. “This will have a major impact on a great number of families who are struggling to stay in their homes. We help more than 7,500 families a year with rent and utility assistance, and with the economic challenges we’re facing now as a result of the Coronavirus, we know the need for help is going to increase exponentially. So not only is this gift greatly needed and appreciated, the timing is truly a blessing. We are going to need other community groups to follow the Rotary Club’s lead.”

“The purpose of this funding is to help those who have been or are about to be evicted with rent assistance so they can stay in their homes and protect their families,” says Rotary Club of Cincinnati President David Carlin. “Many of these families have young children that need our help. Keeping them in their homes will provide safety and health during this unprecedented time. Preventing homelessness ensures tenants don’t end up in shelters, which is astronomically more expensive than rent assistance. I am very proud of our Board for making a courageous decision, acting swiftly to help those in need and saving families from the trauma of losing their home.”

Roughly 90 percent of the families St. Vincent de Paul assists with homelessness prevention are able to avoid an eviction for at least six months after being helped.

About St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been providing innovative, practical emergency assistance to Greater Cincinnati residents in need for more than150 years. The organization works personally with those in need, regardless of race or creed, to bridge the spiritual, emotional and material gaps in their lives through home visits provided by neighborhood-based volunteer groups, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Charitable Pharmacy as well as a network of 11 food pantries and seven thrift stores and donation centers across Cincinnati. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati is a network of neighbors, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need. For more information, visit SVDPcincinnati.org.