At the Depaul Group Assembly in London last month, Mark McGreevy, founder and President of the Depaul Group, announced his decision to step back from his leadership role at Depaul International on 31 December 2026. In his message “Some personal news”, he wrote:
“Over the past 37 years, I have watched Depaul grow from a single hostel in Willesden Green (still going strong) into a family of charities working across eight countries, supporting close to 100,000 people experiencing homelessness each year. It has been a real honour to work alongside the wonderful teams at Depaul UK, Ireland, USA, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Croatia, and our newest member, Depaul Philippines. I know they will continue to achieve amazing things, and I have every confidence that the group will continue to grow and thrive.
Through two important strategic partnerships — the Institute of Global Homelessness, based at DePaul University in Chicago, and the Famvin Homeless Alliance — Depaul has also helped build a truly global movement grounded in both advocacy and action. From the IGH giving a voice to people experiencing street homelessness at institutions such as the UN, to the FHA supporting housing initiatives of the Vincentian Family in more than 80 countries, it has been a privilege to work with both organisations and the incredible staff leading them.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication, compassion, and hard work of so many committed people over the years. My heartfelt thanks go to all staff, trustees — especially our Chairs — and volunteers, past and present. Very special thanks to the many people we have had the privilege to serve over the years, for allowing us to be part of your journey out of homelessness.
I would also like to express my deep respect and gratitude to the Vincentian organisations that founded Depaul back in 1989 — the Daughters of Charity, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and The Passage Day Centre, where I first cut my teeth as a volunteer in the 1980s. The values and mission that continue to drive Depaul across the globe are part of your legacy. As I say to all new staff during induction: “You are not joining a 37-year-old charity — you are becoming part of a 400-year tradition of service inspired by Vincent de Paul himself.”
A big thank you to all our wonderful donors, partners, and supporters who help us every day to create a world where “homelessness has no place”. I will be leaving behind a very strong organisation, ably led by Matthew Carter as Group CEO. As Depaul International looks to the future and continues to deliver its ambitious five-year plan, your support will remain vital, so please continue to help them achieve our shared goals.
Finally, thank you to the many friends from across the sector and beyond for your support and encouragement. None of us can do it on our own but together we are mighty!
I’ll leave you with my favourite Vincent de Paul quote — one I have always tried to live by: “Be firm and unchanging with regard to the goals, but gentle and humble as to the means.” I’ll continue to help in a part-time capacity for a while yet. I’m not retiring as such, and I’ll always be interested in new challenges, so please do feel free to contact me.
That’s it!!
Mark”
With profound gratitude, we thank you, Mark, for your unwavering dedication and the hope you’ve ignited across our global family. Your leadership leaves a lasting imprint on our mission and on the lives of those we serve.” — FHA Team
