St. Vincent de Paul North Texas to build thrift store, fundraise for financial aid

The organization, which was founded in 1956, is working to expand its services as they recognize a growing need in the community.

The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul North Texas is made up of around 850 volunteers and serves more than 85,000 people in North Texas.

The organization, which was founded in 1956, is working to expand its services as they recognize a growing need in the community.

Volunteers serve the entire community, but the group said as the Latino community continues to grow, they've seen an increase of people needing help with rent and utility assistance needs.

"Oftentimes we find that people, when they are talking to us, we're the first people that really, that they're sharing their entire story with and so much of that in and of itself can be so healing and so helpful for the individuals, and so what we try to do is by listening and in particular as Latinos and myself, you know, even as a Latino, I can understand and appreciate how difficult sometimes that can be to say, 'I need assistance.' You know, we think this mentality we have in society today is that we can do it all on our own, but the reality is that we can't. We were made for community," said Luis Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of Society of St. Vincent de Paul of North Texas.

They've launched the Hope Fund to collect donations to help fill the growing gap between wages and the cost of housing. The money helps families with emergency assistance needs in unexpected financial hardships.

Gonzalez said they offer many services, including an after-school tutoring program.

They also have a charitable pharmacy, which provides free medications for people who don't have insurance. Last year they gave about $25 million worth of medications for free.

They're also known for their thrift store on Northwest Highway in Dallas. Gonzalez said they're opening a second location on Buckner Blvd. in East Dallas.

For those interested in the non-profits services or who want to volunteer, click here.