For help in day-to-day emergencies, Sequim residents often turn to Society of St. Vincent de Paul for assistance.

Edward Koszykowski, president of the society’s St. Joseph Conference (Sequim area), said the group has helped more than 3,000 individuals since the beginning of its fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2023.

“We don’t see people in poverty as a burden,” Koszykowski said.

Now the organization is preparing for its annual Friends of the Poor Walk/Run, set for Saturday, Sept.7, at Carrie Blake Community Park, 202 N. Blake Ave.

Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. and the walk/run around the Albert Haller Playfields begins at noon.

The event is the St. Joseph Conference’s lone fundraiser for the year.

About the group

Volunteers with Sequim’s St. Vincent de Paul assist with everything from rent and utilities to food, prescription medicines, clothing, repairs and other essential services.

Since October 2023 to mid-August 2024, the organization has provided about $150,300 in assistance.

In addition to financial aid, the group helps neighbors learn about other resources available and how to better budget their money.

With home visits, their volunteers can take time to better assess priorities and find an agreeable solution.

The organization also maintains a food pantry for emergencies, conducts a Christmas Giving Tree for children at its parish and hosts an annual luncheon for incarcerated youth in Port Angeles.

Community members can help support St. Joseph Conference at the Sept. 7 event.

St. Joseph Conference of St. Vincent de Paul’s Help Line is 360-683-2112.