St. Vincent de Paul Plank Road Shelter Manna Givers

SPECIAL NOTE: WE NO LONGER ACCEPT COURT APPOINTED VOLUNTEERISM. Please note that all volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to participate.

The Plank Road Men's Shelter is now located at 220 St. Vincent de Paul Place in Baton Rouge provides shelter for men in need of a safe place while attempting to gain independence.

Manna Givers are the lifeblood of the shelters. We are so very grateful to the individuals and groups that take their valuable time and resources to purchase or prepare a delicious meal for the participants in the shelters. Participants are heartened that strangers are willing to go to great lengths to sustain them in such a generous and loving way.

Meal Guidelines

-Meals should include one meat, one vegetable, and one starch

-Desserts and beverages are optional

-Paper goods are provided

-Please label all meals: “Plank Road Shelter”

We encourage Manna Givers to stay and serve the meal and enjoy fellowship with participants. If you choose to stay, please bring enough food for your volunteers as well.

FOR THE MOST ACCURATE HEADCOUNT, PLEASE CONTACT MS. DAKASHA LEONARD, DIRECTOR OF SHELTER OPERATIONS, AT 512-297-0865. WE RECOMMEND CALLING 2-3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DAY OF SERVICE.

Arrival Time: We ask that the Manna Givers arrive at the Main Men's Shelter of St. Vincent de Paul with the meal ready to be served at 5:45 PM. 

Directions and Parking

Please enter from Florida Boulevard and St. Vincent de Paul Place. Park in the dining room parking lot, which faces Florida Boulevard and is enclosed by a black wrought iron fence. Use the only door accessible from this parking lot, which leads directly into the dining room where male participants receive their evening meal.

This protocol applies whether you are dropping off the meal or staying to serve. The Night Manager is available to assist with retrieving the meal from your vehicle using a cart.

Volunteer Guidelines

-Volunteer groups are limited to 10 people

-Minors must be accompanied by an adult

-A Minor Volunteer Waiver must be printed, signed, and brought on the day of service

-Waiver:https://svdpbr.galaxydigital.com/files/dl/ec8fc9332d3aec8773b40273c6e495ff/

-One certified adult may accompany up to six minors if certified to work with vulnerable populations

-For certification information, contact Connie Planche at 225-383-7837 ext. 302

Dress Code (Required)

-Long pants (capris acceptable for women)

-Shirt with sleeves

-Closed-toed shoes

-Hair coverings and gloves must be worn when handling food

Health & Safety:  Please do not enter the shelter if you are feeling unwell. The safety of our volunteers, staff, and participants is our highest priority.

Thank you for considering being a Manna Giver at St. Vincent de Paul. Your generosity is a true gift to the families we serve. For questions about this opportunity, please contact us at 225-383-7837 ext. 207.