Welcoming Richard Palermo, Our New Development Associate!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh is thrilled to welcome Richard Palermo as our new Development Associate. Richard will play an essential role in supporting our mission to serve those in need throughout the Pittsburgh area. He’ll be responsible for assisting with donor relations, organizing fundraising events, and expanding outreach efforts to engage our community and supporters.

We wanted to give you a chance to get to know Richard, so we asked him a few questions in a quick Q&A:

Q: What inspired you to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?

A: I wanted to be a part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul because my faith and deep desire to help those in need inspired me to be a part of this mission. The values and mission of SVdP resonate deeply with me, as I believe in serving individuals with dignity and compassion. Treating every person with kindness and respect is something I strongly believe in, regardless of their situation or background. Belonging to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves as a nudge that little gestures of kindness hold lasting impact, and collective efforts lead to positive transformations.

Q: What will be your focus as a Development Associate?

A: In my role as the Development Associate for the Society of St Vincent de Paul my primary responsibility will be to enhance and bolster the fundraising initiatives that support the organization’s programs and services aimed at assisting individuals and families in need by providing resources among others. My objective is to contribute towards sustaining the growth and effectiveness of these programs over time by fostering an environment of appreciation and openness which I believe are elements for ensuring success in fundraising endeavors. My goal is to use data and communication tools to monitor donations and enhance interaction with our supporters aiming to show donors the impact of their generosity and actively support development and fundraising efforts with enthusiasm.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how it has prepared you for this position?

A: I have experience in the non-profit sector and most recently worked for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in their Development Department. While working there I collaborated with donors, partners, and sponsors to support programs and projects. In Development work it’s not only about raising funds; it’s also about building lasting relationships, making donors feel valued, and illustrating the impact of their contributions on the community. I’m excited to use that information to support the Society’s initiatives and gather support for their programs. I’m enthusiastic about playing a role in the progress and expansion of the organization.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your role?

A: I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to help grow the Society’s reach and fundraising capacity. The work SVdP does is so important, and I believe there are many untapped opportunities to engage the community further whether that’s through increasing individual donations or fostering partnerships with local businesses that raise both funds and awareness. I’m eager to be involved in these initiatives, helping to amplify the Society’s impact and ensure that more of our neighbors can access the support they need. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that is so deeply committed to service, and to playing a role in strengthening the development efforts that will help sustain and expand the vital work SVdP does in Pittsburgh and beyond. I’m excited for the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to a cause that truly changes lives.

Q: Any interests or hobbies you’d like to share?

A: When I’m not at work I have a strong passion for music. I am a professional musician and play the violin with professional orchestras in the tri-state area including the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, amongst others. I’m also into cooking and trying out recipes. It’s something I enjoy doing for my loved ones, too. Cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones bring me happiness and helps me relax and bond with the important people in my life. Spending time with my wife and family is one of my greatest joys. Whether it’s unwinding at home or going for walks, these moments with my wife and close ones are truly special to me.

Please join us in welcoming Richard Palermo to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul family!

Introduction of Sarah Komatsu, SOS Collab’s Joint Care Navigator

We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Komatsu as the new Joint Care Navigator for the SOS Collab hosted at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh. With a deep commitment to community service and a passion for helping others, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. As Joint Care Navigator, Sarah will be working closely with families in need, providing critical support and resources to help them navigate challenging situations. Her role is integral to ensuring that individuals and families receive the comprehensive assistance they need, from emergency relief to long-term support. 

Sarah’s primary responsibilities include connecting families with essential services, coordinating assistance across multiple programs of the SOS Collab, and serving as a compassionate advocate for those facing financial and personal hardships. Her work will be instrumental in helping us continue to fulfill our mission of supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Sarah has just moved back to Pittsburgh from Los Angeles, Ca where she lived for eight years. To help you get to know Sarah better, we provided her with a few questions for a brief interview: 

What inspired you to join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and what does this role mean to you? 

• When I moved back to Pittsburgh this past spring, I knew that I wanted to use all that I had learned and experienced for something important. While valuing purpose made the job hunt harder, it was all the more exciting to discover St. Vincent de Paul and the incredible charity that is run through this organization. I am so excited to be a part of such a venerated organization and one that has been around for so many years. It’s an honor to be a part of history alongside my brothers and sisters, especially in the pursuit of living out the Gospel. The role of Joint Care Navigator means that I’ll be able to help our neighbors-in-need at least one step closer to finding peace in paying a light bill or taking some weight off their shoulders with a furniture set. There are so, so many people in need, and while Jesus says that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26), we can care for and love those in the community as best we can. Doing it with other organizations, partnering to provide even more careful love to our neighbors, that’s just the cherry on top. 

Can you share a bit about your background and how it has prepared you for this position? 

• While I did work at a non-profit before I moved away from Pittsburgh, the most valuable experiences that I’ve had to launch me in this position were once I moved West. I lived at a foster home in Arizona, right outside of the Navajo Nation. The children told me many stories of how difficult it was to find food or to not have running water, and as a house parent, we ourselves needed to apply for government assistance to feed everyone and keep the lights on. It never got easier asking for help, which I believe helps me have great understanding and compassion for our neighbors-in-need who call. Once I was in California, I was actively involved in my church, where I had more glimpses into the lives of immigrant families and those with extreme hardship. I worked for another non-profit which supported people experiencing houselessness, and that experience taught me a lot about partnerships and more of the innerworkings of non-profits. Both my behind-the-scenes and firsthand experiences have prepared me for this role, being able to talk directly to the people in need, advocate for them and help them navigate through this time to the best of my ability. 

What are some of the first things you’re looking forward to doing in your new role as Joint Care Navigator? 

• I’ve already had the pleasure of returning the many messages we’ve received and speaking with our neighbors-in-need. Looking forward, I’m so excited to be a part of this collaboration, to find new ways to build bridges and find the most and best support for the Pittsburgh (and greater Southwest PA) community. There is so much to learn, and I want to be able to help as many people as possible, with whatever they need. 

How do you plan to connect with and support the families you’ll be working with? 

• I’m already catching up with the messages that have been left, so other than phone, I believe that we will have an online forum where people can submit requests for information. We will use whatever means we can to get the word out about the assistance and support we can provide. I’d love to meet both the organizations and smaller conferences in person; since I’m referring our neighbors to them, I want to know what information is helpful for them to have or me to deliver. 

What do you hope to achieve in your first year with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? 

• In my position at St. Vincent de Paul, I’m hoping to be able to streamline some of our systems, and to create a better database with fuller information. While every conference is doing a great job running their community, I’d love to see a single database with what conferences are currently able to provide (if only to not refer a neighbor-in-need to them when they’re unable to help). I’d also like to create a system to curate a list of individuals who would be candidates and willing to share their story of how we’ve been used by God to support them in their difficulties. 
• With St. Vincent de Paul as an organization, my hope is that whatever time I have to spend here, I do it in both present and future tenses. I wish to do my job today to the best of my ability, but I also hope to leave whatever imprint possible to continue into St. Vincent de Paul’s future. The world is changing, but there will always be people in need, so much can be done to ensure that future generations are able to both support and receive support from St. Vincent de Paul. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

• I am just so, so happy to be here, to be a part of this organization and family, and to serve the people in my beloved Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA. 

Sarah’s enthusiasm and dedication make her a perfect fit for this role, and we’re excited to see the positive impact she will have on the lives of the families we serve. Please join us in welcoming Sarah to our team! You can reach her at skomatsu@svdppitt.org or by calling 412.321.1071×1006. 

Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh through The United Way Campaign

This fall, you have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in need by supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh through the United Way Campaign. By designating your workplace donation to our organization with number 273, you directly contribute to providing vital assistance to individuals and families struggling with poverty, homelessness, and other challenges.

Your contributions help fund essential programs, including emergency financial assistance, food distribution, and support services that empower our neighbors to regain stability and hope. The United Way Campaign is a convenient way to make a lasting impact, and every donation counts, no matter the size.

Signing up is simple:

1. Check with Your Employer: Many workplaces participate in the United Way Campaign, allowing you to give through payroll deductions.
2. Use Number 273: When you fill out your donation form, make sure to designate the Society of St. Vincent de Paul with number 273.
3. Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family members to join you in supporting our mission.

Your generosity will help us continue our work of serving those most in need in our community. Thank you for being a part of this vital effort through the United Way Campaign!

Understanding Poverty and Homelessness in Pittsburgh

Each year, Allegheny County takes part in a national census mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to count the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night. This census, known as the Point-in-Time count, enumerates individuals who are homeless within the county, including those in emergency shelters, those living in places not meant for human habitation, and those in short-term supportive housing programs such as transitional housing and safe havens. On January 30, 2024, in Allegheny County, 1,026 individuals were staying in emergency shelters or experiencing unsheltered homelessness (compared to 913 in 2023).  

Poverty and homelessness are complex issues with deep roots in various socio-economic factors. In Pittsburgh, as in many other cities, these problems are multifaceted and require a comprehensive understanding to address effectively.

The causes of poverty and homelessness can be broadly categorized into economic, social, and systemic factors. Economic factors include unemployment and underemployment, where a lack of job opportunities or jobs that do not pay a living wage can lead to financial instability. The rising cost of living, with housing and basic expenses outpacing wages, makes it increasingly difficult for individuals and families to make ends meet. Income inequality further exacerbates these challenges, resulting in a significant portion of the population struggling to afford life’s necessities.

Social factors also play a significant role. Limited access to quality education hinders employment opportunities and economic mobility. Health issues, both physical and mental, along with insufficient access to healthcare, can lead to financial hardship and, eventually, homelessness. Substance use disorder is another critical factor, as addiction can deplete financial resources and lead to unstable living conditions.

Systemic factors such as the lack of affordable housing and inadequate social services contribute to the persistence of poverty and homelessness. A shortage of affordable housing options forces many into homelessness, while insufficient support services for those in need, including mental health and addiction services, exacerbate the issue.

The effects of poverty and homelessness are profound and far-reaching. Health impacts are particularly severe, with homeless individuals at a higher risk for chronic illnesses, malnutrition, and exposure-related conditions. The stress of homelessness can lead to or worsen mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Socially, homelessness disrupts family stability, often leading to family separation and negatively affecting children’s education and social development. Increased homelessness can also lead to higher crime rates and a sense of insecurity within communities. Economically, homelessness places a strain on public resources, including emergency services, healthcare, and law enforcement. Those experiencing homelessness often struggle to find and maintain employment, reducing overall economic productivity.

In a controversial move, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) recently upheld a law criminalizing homelessness. This law allows for the penalization of individuals for activities such as sleeping, camping, or living in public spaces. Critics argue that this approach does not address the root causes of homelessness and instead exacerbates the problem by penalizing those already in vulnerable situations.

The implications of the SCOTUS decision are significant. Increased criminalization means that homeless individuals may face fines, arrests, and criminal records, further complicating their ability to find employment and housing. This law also places additional burdens on law enforcement and the judicial system, diverting resources from more effective solutions. The decision has sparked debates on human rights, with advocates arguing that criminalizing homelessness violates the dignity and basic rights of individuals.

Addressing poverty and homelessness in Pittsburgh requires a multi-pronged approach. Increasing the availability of affordable housing options is crucial. Expanding access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and employment services can help individuals regain stability. Advocating for policies that address the root causes of poverty and homelessness, rather than punitive measures, is essential for long-term solutions.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh remains committed to supporting those in need through direct assistance, advocacy, and community partnerships. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone can thrive. For more information on how you can help or get involved, please contact Karen O’Keefe at kokeefe@svdppitt.org or 412.321.1071×1203.