Founded in 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a charitable organization that offers tangible assistance to individuals in need on a person-to-person basis. It offers a variety of services, including emergency financial assistance, transportation, disaster relief, low-cost housing, pharmacy, employment, job training, counseling, and information and referral. The organization also provides mortgage assistance, homemaker, budget counseling, nutrition education and advocacy services. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul additionally provides shelters for homeless and abused individuals. It administers a variety of food, youth, social justice and educational programs. The organization provides assistance for the victims of AIDS, substance abuse and crime. It operates several thrift stores throughout the United States that stock conference records and meeting supplies, basic information resources, promotional materials, medallions, and video and music CDs.