SSVDP Programs to Fight Homelessness and Poverty

Experienced financial services professional Bryon Martinsen serves as the branch manager of the Kings Park, New York office of Centaurus Financial Inc. His responsibilities include managing over $100 million in assets for individuals and families. Deeply involved in charitable work, Bryon Martinsen volunteers with the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SSVDP). He leverages his background in financial planning to impart knowledge to the clients of SSVDP, helping them to have their own shelter and provide for their family.

SSVDP is an organization of lay Catholics with membership worldwide. Its members follow the call of Jesus Christ to “serve the poor, the suffering, and the deprived.” Its programs include disaster relief, food pantries, thrift stores, medical services, prison reentry, and others. The goal of these programs is primarily to provide sustainable pathways out of poverty. Following are three SSVDP programs that tackle homelessness and food scarcity.

Home Visits is SSVDP’s founding program. Through Home Visits, SSVDP members seize the opportunity to bring financial resources to those in need. The program provides financial assistance for rent, clothing, food, and other needs. But perhaps the greatest reward of the program is the opportunity for SSDVP members to offer friendship and pray with the neighbors.

Voice of the Poor, SSVDP’s advocacy arm, identifies the issues that are critical to those who are impoverished and helps bring the attention of the communities and the government to them. These efforts lead to the development of tactics and strategies to effectively and efficiently reduce if not eradicate poverty.

Through the Housing program, SSVDP members empathize with those who are struggling to maintain shelter every day, seeking to provide safe and affordable housing solutions. The program assists to defray their rent and mortgage payments and provides for rapid rehousing.