St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County, based in Eugene, is one of the largest and most distinctive SVdP councils in the country. Since 1953 it has built a social-enterprise model around recycling and reuse: waste-based businesses fund social services, divert millions of pounds from landfills, and support more than 1,600 units of affordable housing, shelters, and thrift stores.
St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County has provided direct help in Lane County since 1953, and over more than 70 years it has grown into one of the largest nonprofits in the region, serving about 50,000 people a year. It stands out among SVdP councils for the scale of its social-enterprise operations.
Where many councils rely mostly on thrift sales, Lane County built waste-based businesses that both fund social services and keep reusable materials out of landfills.
The council runs recycling and reuse operations that, in 2019 alone, diverted more than 37 million pounds of material from landfills. You can drop off goods at one of St. Vinnie's 11 donation centers or shop at its secondhand stores, with proceeds funding the mission.
This model has grown the organization from 27 employees in 1984 to about 700 today across Oregon and California, and it offers low-barrier employment to people who face obstacles to work.
Beyond retail and recycling, SVdP Lane County operates more than 1,600 units of affordable housing and runs day-access shelters for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. It administers many programs aimed at long-term stability.
Together these make the council a major provider of housing and social services in the Eugene area.
St. Vincent de Paul is a 501(c)(3), so goods and cash are tax-deductible when you itemize. Get a receipt at drop-off, and estimate fair market value with our donation value guide.
To support the Lane County council, donate goods at a St. Vinnie's center, shop the stores, or give through svdp.us.
Last updated June 2026. St. Vincent de Paul Lane County founding (1953), recycling and social-enterprise model (37 million-plus pounds diverted in 2019), about 700 employees, 1,600-plus affordable housing units, 11 donation centers, and 50,000 people served a year from St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County (svdp.us). We are not affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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