St. Vincent de Paul Society-Ozanam Center
The John Paul II Ozanam Center is located on the grounds of Holy Name Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The Center, which is staffed by members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, provides emergency food, clothing and other forms of assistance to those living in the 44105, 44125 and 44127 zip codes. The Center also provides limited assistance to those needing furniture for their residences and can, as funds are available, offer one-time assistance to those needing help with utility bills.
The Center came into existence due to the efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Pastors of the Slavic Village parishes- St. Stanislaus, Hoy Name and St. John Nepomucene. The Pastors wanted to create a single place where families in need could come for assistance. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, wanted to more fully re-establish its presence in the city while fulfilling its Mission to serve the poor and needy.
Vincentians were able to renovate a formerly underutilized space in the Holy Name parish complex and created a facility that has a Food Distribution area, Clothing Distribution area, Interview Area and storage space.
The John Paul II Ozanam Center is supported by members of the following parishes: St. Stanislaus, Holy Name, St. John Nepomucene, Holy Spirit, St. Columbkille, St. Barnabas, St. Rita, St. Joseph, St. Mary of the Falls, St. Michael and St. Matthias.
The parish community of The Shrine Church St. Stanislaus supports the operations of the Center through a monthly collection -- the last weekend of the month - of which the funds are used to purchase food products and support the upkeep of the Center. Parishioners are also encouraged to bring in baby clothes and related items, soap, and food products. These items can be put into the collection baskets located in the vestibule.
Parishioners are encouraged to volunteer at the Ozanam Center, and they find it to be a rewarding experience. Moreover, young people of the parish needing community service hours receive credit by doing volunteer work.
Food and Clothing Distribution: Every Saturday (except holiday weekends) from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon)
Food items usually include canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned soup, peanut butter, jelly, canned pork and beans, a box of potatoes or rice, pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni & cheese, cereal, soap or personal care products, and if available, desserts, fresh produce, bread products and frozen meat.
A school supply drop off takes place before the start of school. In winter clothing giveaways take place.
Hot Meals: Every Thursday of the month from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The meal is served in Haren Hall, located below the church.
More than 450 people are served every month.
