We are a Grass Roots Organization
Samaritan House provides recuperative care to the homeless when they are discharged from the hospital. We provide an alternative "haven" when the other choices are to turn these individuals back to the streets, woods or to the highway underpass.
We are an inter-faith ministry, but not affiliated with any church or religious/faith organization. We do not ask for, nor receive any local, state or federal funds/grants.
Samaritan House is supported in whole by the faith community, individuals and grants.
This is a grass roots ministryserving the medically fragile homeless 24/7, 365 days of the year in Mecklenburg County.
We Are a Unique Program
Through extensive research it was determined that no other agency is comparable. There is no charge to the guests for any services nor is Medicaid or other insurance accepted. The funding is dependent on the faith community, individuals and grants. Samaritan House does not accept any government funding. The only admittance requirement is that the person must be homeless and be referred by a reliable medical provider within Mecklenburg County.
We Save Mecklenburg County the Expense
There are an estimated 500 homeless individuals that are admitted annually into the hospital system. There is no data available but hospital personnel have reported to Samaritan House that 75% of these people return within 30 days of discharge due to a lack of proper care for their illness, surgery or injury. Samaritan House is making a positive impact by decreasing those numbers.
In 2008-2009 only 8% of the guests at Samaritan House returned to the hospital for the same illness, even those reporting a chronic illness. The cost to the hospital and community is approximately $1,800 per person per day, while at Samaritan House the daily cost is approximately $100.
It was reported in the Charlotte Observer on May 22, 2006 that “for the past decade, Mecklenburg County has paid Carolina Medical and Presbyterian Healthcare $17.8 million per year to subsidize the costs of treating those who cannot pay for health care.”
Our Guest Services
Through a referral system the medical community discharges appropriate people to Samaritan House. Samaritan House is not a medical facility but a recuperative care facility.
Samaritan House is unable to care for those who are not ambulatory, have mental illness that is not controlled, or have been convicted of violent crimes.
Each guest is picked up at the hospital and taken to Samaritan House where they are provided with a clean bed, bathroom and showers and 3 nutritious meals each day so that they may rest and recuperate in a safe, clean environment.
Home health caregivers and other care providers do come into Samaritan House at the discharging doctors’ request. The discharging doctor also determines the length of time a guest is to stay. The stay may be as short as two days or as many as 20. Once the guest arrives Samaritan House provides transportation to follow up doctor visits, appointments with Social Services, visits to potential permanent housing or rehabilitation facilities for evaluation. In 2008-09 39% were able to move back in with friends or families, 16% moved into their own place and 29% entered facilities to obtain other treatment. The others decided to return to the street or left the area. Samaritan House makes a financial savings impact to the community as well as impacting the health and well being of those who are indigent.
We Welcome Everyone
Samaritan House serves every race, age, creed or sexual orientation. Guests have been as young as 21 and as old as 77. Some have been on the streets for many years and others are well educated professionals or blue collar workers all of whom have made poor life choices. All are welcomed as they are without any expectation of change. It has been found, that the care and hospitality they receive at Samaritan House is indeed life changing.
During the last fiscal year, Samaritan House cared for 133 guests who required 2050 guest days to recuperate. Samaritan House is so unique that the Planning and Zoning Commission had to write a specific text amendment that was approved by the City Council. Due to this amendment Samaritan House may house eight persons at a time.
Other Charlotte Agencies
Samaritan House has a close working relationship with other agencies in Charlotte that help those who are homeless. There is a close relationship with the Urban Ministry Center, Hope Haven, Adult Social Services and Piedmont Legal Services to name a few.
Founded in 2003
Samaritan House was conceived in the hearts and minds of Ruth Woodend and Freda Schlaman in June 2003. This was in response to the critical need which was reported in “Living in the Shadows” a work commissioned by the County Commission identifying needs of the homeless in the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. READ MORE...
Samaritan House opened on March 1, 2005 and occupies a leased house owned by the YWCA. There are three full time staff and one part time person. A large number of volunteers help with meals, laundry, cleaning, office work and transportation.
A Success Story
Since March 1, 2005 Samaritan House has nurtured and cared for over 400 men and women. Some have become responsible citizens, some we hope and pray have improved their lives and unfortunately some have died.
There are many success stories to be told but one that stands out is a young man who came to Samaritan House with alcohol poisoning. He was a graduate of a highly regarded conservatory as a violinist. His career was moving along when he became addicted to alcohol. This young man was on the streets for twelve years. He was discharged to Samaritan House where he felt love and acceptance. Following Samaritan House he went into rehabilitation and has now celebrated three years of sobriety. He is back playing the violin and also holding down a job as assistant manager in a retail store. This talented young man is indicative of a number of Samaritan House “alums”.
It is imperative that Samaritan House continue its important ministry and the Board of Directors and the staff and volunteers are committed to maintaining this level of success and being available to all the medically fragile homeless who need this service.
Our Future
The Board of Directors has formed a special committee to market Samaritan House more aggressively to individual donors and the faith community. In the current economy, it is important that Samaritan House maintain their current donor base, and attract new givers and followers.
As Samaritan House approaches its fifth year anniversary, a greater effort is being made to reach those who are not aware of this important ministry.
In the first five years, Samaritan House focused on becoming established with the medical community. With that relationship now firm, the new focus is to grow and sustain the ministry.