Thanks to the generosity of two community partners this holiday season, Good Samaritan provided coats, boots, and presents for over 80 children in our Rapid Rehousing program.

Moving into a new home is a joyous time, especially when a family is exiting homelessness. This joy, however, is often overshadowed by the stark reality that families leaving homelessness often lose everything during the transition.

For the third year in a row, our friends at Elks Lodge #1315 in Holland ran a winter drive for families who recently exited homelessness. The Lodge collected enough items so 30 children would have essential coats and boots for this winter season.

We also partnered again this year with Imagination Station Learning Center in Holland to provide gifts for 53 children. These gifts included essentials, necessities, and some great presents like learning toys and games. “This is such a big deal for our Rapid Rehousing families” said Brenna, one of Good Samaritan’s Housing Case Managers. “Parents want to give their children a magical Christmas but are also working hard on stabilizing their housing.”

Rapid Rehousing is a national evidence-based program designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing.

Thank you to Imagination Station, Elks Lodge, and all our community friends, neighbors, and partners for helping us in this vital work to end homelessness in our community! From all of us at Good Samaritan, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!