| About Us |  |
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about us! On this page you will see detailed information on facilities, programs, history and mission. Below are many ways you can contact the staff of the shelter, and we always enjoy hearing from you!
Click here to see a statement of support for the shelter from State Senator Mike Brubaker.
Phoenixville Location: (Serving men)
141 E. High Street
P.O. Box 551
Phoenixville, PA 19460
Phone: 610-933-9305 phone
Fax: 610-917-9815 fax
Ephrata Location: (Serving women and women with children)
PO Box 756
Ephrata, PA 17522
Phone: 717-733-3395
Fax: 610-917-9815
The Staff of the Shelter:
Nate
Hoffer, Executive Director -
nate@goodsamshelter.org Timothy O. Barr,
Director of Resident Services, Phoenixville
-
tim@goodsamshelter.org Matt McNeil,
Resident Advocate, Phoenixville -
matt@goodsamshelter.org Kathryn Maleney, Grant Writer -
kathryn@goodsamshelter.org Rev.
Maryann Ronan-Lamson, Case Manager, Ephrata -
marl5785@gmail.com Dan
Lamson, Development Assistant -
dan@goodsamshelter.orgBoard of the Good Samaritan Shelter:
David A.
Cagliola, ChairmanCraig
Preschutti, Vice-ChairJackie
Sharifi, Secretary Sarah March, TreasurerJon AgnewShawn CahillVicky
CagliolaCarole
Frederick Sarah
HackmanRobert
Hodges IIIKeith MisnerStephen
PorterJose RiveraJeff Tkach
 |
 |
|
|
The
Phoenixville Emergency Shelter Program: Our Emergency Shelter is a 7-bed shelter that welcomes homeless men. Residents are allowed a 45-day residency. During their stay, residents are offered two meals per day and are provided with toiletries, linens, and towels. During extreme weather conditions, being either very cold (Code Blue) or very hot, (Code Red) the Shelter offers emergency vouchers for a local hotel if the Emergency Shelter is full. Admission to the shelter begins with an intake interview. During the intake process, the staff collects all pertinent information and identifies the special needs of the resident. Using this information, the shelter staff refers residents to local agencies that can help with various issues such as mental health services, substance abuse counseling or job placement. All residents are referred to Building Bridges Human Services for homeless case management. Residents are also given benefits information, legal information, and a copy of the house rules and code of conduct. The intake process also includes a call to the local police department to check for any outstanding arrest warrants. Only men who have no outstanding warrants are eligible to reside at the Shelter. All residents of the Good Samaritan Shelter are expected to adhere to the house rules and maintain their sobriety at all times. Residents are subject to random drug testing. Evidence of drug or alcohol use is cause for immediate eviction. Each resident is also required to help with household chores and is expected to be respectful of housemates. House managers ensure the safety and effective operation of the shelter. The Shelter’s Executive Director offers counseling and additional case management to all residents. The Phoenixville Transitional Housing Program: Our transitional housing program comprises of two sets of two adjacent homes. It can accommodate up to fourteen men. Residents are allowed to reside in the home for up to 24 months. This longer-term residency allows the men to continue to improve their circumstances and prepare for the move into permanent housing. Residents who have completed a successful stay in the Emergency Shelter may be eligible to reside in the transitional housing. Residents are required to be employed and/or have another source of regular monthly income. Residents who meet these requirements, have complied with the house rules, demonstrated sobriety throughout their stay, and expressed a desire to continue on to independent living will be welcomed into our transitional housing. Transitional Housing Program residents are expected to function more independently than Emergency Shelter residents in order to ‘practice’ the life skills needed to live on their own. Residents are also expected to be responsible with their rent and upkeep of their personal space. While in the program, residents continue to receive case management counseling services and referrals to other agencies. Good Samaritan Shelter: Ephrata At Good Samaritan Shelter: Ephrata we strive to provide residents with the feeling of a safe, warm, and welcoming home. After acceptance into the program, a Service Plan will be created. By developing a Service Plan it helps to provide clarity and focus as to what your needs and goals are. Good Samaritan Shelter: Ephrata is committed to serving women and their children and strives to provide a safe, diverse and welcoming environment. More on Our Mission: Towards this mission the Good Samaritan Shelter provides safe, comfortable housing for homeless men, women and women with children in the greater Phoenixville and Ephrata areas. GSS also collaborates with local health and social service agencies to help our guests regain stability in their lives and address the issues surrounding their homelessness. Our work is based on Christian principles and though we gladly accept people of all faiths, we ascribe God’s power to help our residents through their struggles and to allow us to help them as best as we can. History of the Shelter: The Good Samaritan Shelter, Inc. is a private non-profit, non-denominational organization that is based on Christian principles. It was developed in 1999 under the guidance of Bishop William H. Washington, Jr., pastor of New Beginnings Church of God. His call for leadership was answered by St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Chester Springs, the Baptist Church in Phoenixville, and other community supporters. Together they sought a compassionate response to the needs of homeless men who frequently contacted local churches for emergency shelter. Our shelter is one of the few in Chester County; others are mainly in the western, central, and southern areas of the county. We are, therefore, the primary men's shelter providers in northern Chester County. In May 2010, we expanded our Transitional Housing Program to be able to serve 60% more men. In April 2011, we expanded again, this time to allow us to serve women and women with children, with the acquisition of the Good Samaritan Shelter: Ephrata. Today, the Good Samaritan Shelter is moving forward, helping almost 40 residents. Other Information: Click here to see a County Lines article about the good work our shelter is doing! |
 GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER |
| 141 E. High StreetPO Box 551Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460T 610-933-9305F 610-917-9815PO Box 756Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522T
717-733-3395F 610-917-9815 |
| |
| Home | Donate | Programs | Success Stories | Good News | Get Involved | About Us |
| Copyright 2008-2012. The Good Samaritan Shelter, Inc. All rights reserved. |
