06/02/2026
Our Lady of the Valley Society of Saint Vincent de Paul: Share the Love
During the first three weeks of May, calls from 42 families to the Help Line came from moms and dads who faced a cruel reality. They had not paid utility bills for months, and they now must explain to their family why there is no water from the faucet; the power is off, and there is no TV, and you can’t charge your phone, and everyone has a flashlight at night; every meal is cold because the stove and microwave can’t be used. They could not do anything about the past-due amounts on their utility bills because all of the money was gone, and the crisis was now here. Vincentian answering the phones heard that they tried all the agencies, and no funds were available. We were their only hope. Vincentian listened as they described how helpless they felt because the shutoffs were scheduled within the next day or two, and for some, that day was already here. There was no surprise when the list included water, sewer, electric, or gas, and sometimes two or three at the same time. The message went out to all Vincentians that another Home Visit was needed - six visits were requested on May 19th alone, and two Vincentians prepared to meet each family to overcome their crisis and find a way forward. They met the mother of 5 children who could not pay the water or sewer bills because pipes broke flooding the basement and the hot water heater needed to be replaced; then the car insurance increased dramatically after her van was totaled. Other Vincentians met the single mom and her 4 children who moved into their new apartment eight months ago and now faced shutoffs for water and electricity; her work as a caregiver was put on hold as she now must care for one of her children who suffered a severe medical tragedy. They also met the widower who was caring for his four grandchildren; their parents were incapable of providing for their well-being, and water and sewer shutoffs would occur within days. Each visit started with Vincentians lending a compassionate ear, offering advice, and developing a way forward. They were committed to helping our new Friends In Need discover a sense of self-sufficiency. Over a two-day period, over $4,000 in pledges were made to solve their immediate problems and begin to see hope for a brighter future. Each visit started with nervousness, doubt, and fear, and each visit would end with peace, optimism, and relief. Each visit started with a handshake and a polite smile as introductions were made, and each visit would end with a prayer, feelings of friendship, and a farewell hug as we shared the love Christ asks us to bring as we gather in His name.
