The Society for the Poor is a Catholic lay organization of men and women working together to grow spiritually by offering person to person service to those who are needy and suffering. The Society collaborates with other persons of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because in them society members see the face of Christ.

We have a strict process that ensures the confidentiality of our clients and we employ a stringent process to determine the validity of each request. We have established guidelines and criteria for determining eligibility, the amount that is allowed for certain types of assistance, and the frequency we will provide assistance to an individual or household. Requests for assistance for bills, rent, mortgages, etc. are verified and any payment is made directly to the business and not to the client. Many of our clients are referred to us by the Department of Social Services; others are referred by charitable organizations in St. Mary’s County and by families and friends of clients. We also work closely with the Saint Vincent de Paul Societies in other parishes and other charitable organizations to try and meet the needs of those requiring assistance.

We have a partnership with the Hollywood Lions Club through which we work together to more fully meet the needs of residents of Hollywood and California.

We have a policy of assisting people only once every six months so that we are able to help more people. We often counsel our clients in ways to help themselves and how to obtain assistance from other sources.

The St. John’s Society for the Poor meets every other Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Rectory basement Knights of Columbus meeting room.

If you or someone you know needs assistance or if you are interested in becoming a member please call the
Society for the Poor at 240-577-5596.