Our story

Over the past 35 years, our organisation has grown from running a small night shelter in London to being a leading provider of homelessness services globally.  

What we do Where we work

oUR sTORY

Our Vincentian roots

While Depaul is inclusive of people from all faiths or none at all, our mission is deeply rooted in the spirituality and example of St Vincent de Paul, the Patron Saint of Charity. A Catholic priest working in 17th century France, St Vincent is widely regarded across the globe as one of the most influential figures in the history of charitable work.

Known for his deep compassion for those living in poverty and his practical approach to helping those in need, Vincent devoted his life to serving those on the margins of society. His innovative work laid the foundations for many modern charitable institutions and has inspired a global movement centred on dignity, compassion, and social justice. His belief that charity should be both heartfelt and effective resonated through centuries, shaping how religious and lay groups engage with social issues.

An organisation born out of collaboration

Our organisation was founded in 1989 after the late Cardinal Basil Hume saw growing numbers of homeless young people sleeping rough on the streets outside Westminster Cathedral and requested help from three Catholic organisations inspired by St Vincent de Paul to form a new organisation. Together, The Daughters of Charity, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and The Passage, created Depaul Trust (known today as Depaul UK) with a mission to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.

Depaul International was subsequently formed in 2004 and now oversees a growing Group of independent charities spanning six continents. Our founding partners continue to be represented on our Board and our Vincentian values remain at the heart of everything we do.

As word got out about the way we put our values into action, we began to be invited to other countries and now manage a network of homelessness charities operating across more than 70 countries.   


Depaul Group Vincentian values in action

Each charity within the Depaul Group has its own focus depending on local needs and contexts, but together we are part of a 400-year tradition of faith in action, upholding the highest standards of dignity, compassion and care. Wherever you are in the world, if you are in a Depaul Group project, you will see our Vincentian values in action. You will see the person at the centre of everything we do – inspiring us to be innovative and walk alongside those we serve. That our services are heartfelt and effective. How we focus our resources on those who are the most marginalised and are willing to take risks to support those who others can’t or won’t. As a Group, we are united by our values and our unwavering commitment to a world where everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. 

Image shows men taking part in a workshop at Depaul Slovakia.