Dear Friends,

I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about what’s ahead for Good Samaritan, and I keep returning to the words at the very heart of what we do: “in partnership with our community.” After more than 55 years of serving Ottawa County, those words are not just a phrase. They are a practice.

How we work matters as much as what we do. That’s why we wrote it right into the center of our mission statement: Good Samaritan is committed to ending poverty and homelessness, in partnership with our community, by providing affordable housing solutions and supportive services.

We don’t do this alone. We partner with organizations that share our belief that lasting change happens in community. Together we operate our Circles program, walking alongside people as they build financial stability, meaningful connections, and a path toward their goals. We partner with the Lakeshore Housing Alliance and over 20 local agencies to coordinate a countywide response to homelessness, connecting people to the right resources at the right time. We partner with landlords to make affordable housing a reality for households we serve. And we partner with Ottawa County courts to offer eviction prevention services – a critical safety net for families on the edge of losing their homes.

We are proud to stand alongside organizations and individuals who share our vision. When we coordinate services, share data, join resources, and trust one another’s strengths, we reach people more effectively. We’re committed to operating with dignity and with a clear eye on what lasting stability actually takes.

I am grateful every day for the network of partners across every sector who are committed to doing this work together. And I am deeply grateful for you.

Our staff, volunteers, and partners serving at this year’s Point-in-Time Count.

Your support is more than a contribution. It is a collaboration. It is proof that when we choose partnership and shared purpose over individual gain, real and lasting change becomes possible. Thank you for standing with us as we work to end poverty and homelessness for generations, one household at a time. We are proud to have you by our side.

With deep gratitude,

Erin Kamphuis

Executive Director

Thanks to a grant from the Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation, Good Samaritan and CommunityWorks are launching a new Circles cohort in the West of Washington neighborhood in Holland on Thursday, February 26. This collaborative effort aims to break the cycle of poverty and empower families to achieve long-term stability and economic growth.

The Circles program connects participants with supportive “Allies” and community resources, creating networks of encouragement, accountability, and opportunity. By addressing barriers such as employment, housing, and education while fostering relationships across social and economic lines, Circles supports individuals and families in achieving financial stability and strengthens the broader community.

“Circles is more than a program—it’s a movement of neighbors walking alongside one another,” said Eric Smith, Executive Director of CommunityWorks. “We are thrilled to expand this proven model to the southside of Holland. Importantly, this opportunity arose directly from what residents shared with us during our neighborhood listening process. Neighbors are the heartbeat of this effort.”

Good Samaritan brings decades of experience in housing stability, community development, and poverty reduction work to the partnership. Together with CommunityWorks, the organizations are committed to building a stronger community where every individual and family has the chance to thrive.

“This partnership reflects our shared value of creating sustainable change while centering the voices and experiences of community members,” said Tracey Hoesch, Director of Circles at Good Samaritan. “We believe Circles will not only help families succeed, but also inspire positive change throughout the neighborhood and beyond.”

Be part of lasting change in our community by getting involved at either Circles location! Serve as an ally, share a meal, volunteer with the youth program, or offer your skills and encouragement. Your support can make a meaningful difference for generations.

At Good Samaritan, we strengthen our community by caring for both homes and the people who live in them. Our Property Management department oversees properties on behalf of owners, while also ensuring tenants have access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to remain stable.

In 2025, GSPM achieved a 99% rent collection rate with zero evictions. We also welcomed new residents through partnerships with the Good Samaritan housing program and other non-profits. In addition, several volunteer groups assisted with property upkeep, helping us maintain high-quality housing while strengthening connections within the community.

In 2026, we look forward to expanding landlord partnerships to continue providing professional, holistic property management for investment property owners in Ottawa County.

If you’re a property owner seeking management rooted in integrity and compassion, contact us at gsmproperties@goodsamottawa.org.

We’re thrilled to announce the date and name of our next annual dinner event: Teeing Up Transformation, happening June 24 at the Pigeon Creek Event Center!

Join us for a great meal, the return of our cocktail hour and silent auction, and a special opportunity to hear directly from our local experts on housing and homelessness in Ottawa County.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow neighbors who care deeply about our community, and learn how you can help drive lasting change! We’ll keep you updated as soon as tickets go live. In the meantime, click below to visit our event page and explore all the details.