Our Thrift Store Generates Income
Our Social Services Outreach Provides Help
Our St. Vincent’s
Thrift Store
(541) 536-1956
Our St Vincent’s
Social Services
(541) 536-6135
Our Social Services Outreach Provides
Food – Clothing – Shelter – Education – Training
Please See More Detail On Our
Thrift Store Page & Our Social Services Page
About St. Vincent de Paul – La Pine
Mission: A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
Vision: A La Pine where every neighbor has food on the table, warmth in winter, and a community that cares.
Our Story
Founded in 1980 by Arlene Mura and Corrine Martinez, SVDP La Pine began as a small food pantry and has grown into a full social-service hub and thrift store serving over 20,000 people a year.
Our Community
- Median Age: 45.8
- Poverty Rate: 17.5% (above state average)
- Homeownership: 57%
- 200+ neighbors currently unhoused
“Your investment in St. Vincent de Paul is an investment in our community.” —Rev. Paul Antao, Holy Redeemer Parish”
Who We Are
We feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, tend to the sick, and serve the community. Our vision is to see our community members break cycles of poverty, addiction, and abuse. We start with the person’s immediate needs and empower them with a hand up through compassion-based social services and education, resulting in their ability to claim and be accountable for their independence and autonomy and build the life of their dreams.
What We Do
SVDP La Pine does this work by pulling people out of poverty through essential services, including a food bank, vouchers for clothing, showers, laundry, propane, medications, utility bills, and essential supplies. Additionally, SVDP La Pine provides education, job training, and employment assistance through the thrift store in a positive and enriching environment while providing discounted goods to the community.
“We nearly doubled the numbers we serve. Many seniors can’t come in anymore, so we bring food to them.”
– Teri, Volunteer
“When I had nowhere else to turn, they treated me with respect and helped me keep my lights on.”
– Nicole, Neighbor
“Every thrift-store purchase helps keep food on a family’s table.”
– Tony DeBone, Deschutes County Commissioner
Meet the Staff
Heather Loomis
Thrift Store Manager
Heather Loomis serves as the Thrift Store Manger for St .Vincent de Paul in La Pine, Oregon. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming shopping experience while supporting the organization’s mission to serve neighbors in need. Heather takes pride in in leading a team that turns donated goods into vital community support, believing that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference.
Tony Dixon
General Manager
Sharon Atwell
Food Pantry / Social Services Manager
Hello! My name is Sharon Atwell and I am the manager here at the St. Vincent de Paul Social Services and Food Pantry. My career background is in teaching and retail management. I’ve been in the state of Oregon for 20 years and just love the La Pine area. I enjoy working with people and serving our community. When I’m not at work, I enjoy quilting, painting, crochet, and outside time with my dog.
Love Pearson
Community Outreach Director
Love Pearson is a supporting motivated professional with 20 years of experience in community engagement with our seniors. She has an RCF license in the state of Oregon where she has developed care plans, strengthened company business by leading implementation of new projects and procedures, and evaluated existing programs.
With her extensive experience with the community outreach, she brings leadership and compassion as her role of the Community Outreach Director at St. Vincent de Paul in La Pine OR.
Sara
Bookkeeper
An Oregon native with a strong background in bookkeeping, real estate, and administrative support, Sara brings a well-rounded skill set and a detail-oriented approach to every endeavor. With years of experience managing financial records, supporting business operations, and navigating the real estate industry, she is known for reliability, organization, and a commitment to excellence.
Having recently relocated to La Pine to be closer to family, Sara is excited to put down roots and contribute to the local community. Passionate about building connections and supporting local growth, she looks forward to making a positive impact in the area.
Who was St. Vincent De Paul?
St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660) was a French priest known as the patron saint of charity due to his giving and kindness. In his honor, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 in France. Currently, SVDP operates chapters in over 140 countries.
We aspire to live the gospel message by serving Christ through service to the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy. Thus, we are always shaping a more just and compassionate society. Although the Society is a Catholic organization, our services are provided without discrimination to race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, or any other social determinant.We aspire to live the gospel message by serving Christ through service to the poor with love, respect, justice, hope, and joy. Thus, we are always shaping a more just and compassionate society. Although the Society is a Catholic organization, our services are provided without discrimination to race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, or any other social determinant.