This is Good Samaritan

We’re opening doors.

Last night, more than 200 men, women, and children in Ottawa County experienced homelessness—they slept outside, in cars, or in a shelter. We’re working to open doors for every person in our area to have access to safe and affordable housing.

Opening Doors for Marcus

A few weeks ago, we got a call from Marcus. He’s a single dad—and Marcus and his son were facing eviction. Because of an emergency, Marcus fell $900 behind on his rent. And, as the process goes, that crisis led to the threat of displacement—all because of one setback.

Our Case Management Lead, Patti, quickly took action. Patti called Marcus’ landlord, who agreed not to evict (and even renew the lease) if Marcus could make payment. Patti called Marcus and helped him identify $350 he could come up with, along with committing Good Samaritan to cover the other $550, with a repayment plan for Marcus to pay back Good Samaritan over time. For $550 and a little time, we kept a single dad and his child in their home.

Your Investment

Last year, we helped 3,320 people stay in their home after facing possible eviction.

We’re proud that we helped thousands of people just like Marcus and his son stay in their home after they first faced possible eviction.

Research shows similar models of eviction prevention from programs nationwide have experienced long-term impacts that result in a 95% success rate of avoided evictions due to non-payment in their communities. After two years of programming, prevention statistics for Good Samaritan are at 98%. On top of keeping people housed, eviction prevention programs do it at a fraction of the cost.

Thank you for giving me and my children the opportunity to move into an apartment and not be homeless.

Gabriel slept in his vehicle in a Walmart parking lot for several months. A past eviction, health issues, and a disability made it difficult to find housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Good Samaritan helped guide Gabriel to an affordable and safe home this year.