FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.   What is Samaritan House?     A.   Samaritan House provides recuperative care for people who are homeless and in need of short term care following a hospital or emergency room stay. Samaritan House emphasizes the Gospel values of love, dignity, respect and inclusion. We welcome people as they are, without demand for change.  We are a non-denominational ministry.

Setting the Table

Q.  What does Samaritan House do?
A.   Samaritan House provides short term for homeless men and women in a home like setting. We provide our guests clean bedrooms, bath facilities, nutritious meals and transportation to follow-up medical appointments.  We help guests obtain additional assistance through local social service agencies as well as rehabilitation and training programs.

Q.  How is Samaritan House funded?
A.   Samaritan House is a not-for-profit (a section 501(c)(3)) grass-roots agency.   We take no funding from local or federal agencies, and are not affiliated with a specific religion or hospital.  We are funded by donation from the local faith community, from private individuals, and through grants from charitable foundations.

Q.  What is Samaritan House’s goal?
A.   Our goal is to provide a safe place for people who are homeless to recuperate from illness or injury.  By doing this, we not only care for human beings who need help, but also reduce the cost to the community by preventing repeat hospitalizations and improving medical outcomes.

Q.  Is Samaritan House’s successful?
A.   Absolutely.  In the last 6 years, we have provided recuperative care to 650 people.  Of those guests, 4 our of 5 have NOT returned to the streets.  Most of our guests leave us to go home with family, move to permanent housing, or enter treatment programs.

Q.  What can the public do to help?
A.   We have many opportunities for individual and groups of volunteers. Please see our Volunteers page for more information.

Q.  What about contributions?
A.   We are happy to receive monetary and house-hold contributions!  Please see our Donate page for more information.

Q.  What is the Samaritan House mailing address?
A.   Samaritan House, 611 Fortune St.,Charlotte, NC 28205.

Q.  What is Samaritan House’s budget?
A.   Our budget is about $200,000 per year, of which 88% goes directly into providing for our guests.

Q. How much does it cost for a guest to stay at Samaritan House as compared to a hospital?
A. The average hospital stay is over $1800 per night, while Samaritan House can house a guest for under $100 per night.

Q.  How many paid staff members are employed?                
A.   We have 4 full time employees, our Executive Director, Dietary Manager, Housekeeping Manager, and Overnight Manager. We have 1 part-time employee to assist with clerical tasks. The rest of our needs are met by volunteers.

Q.  How many people can you serve?

A.   Since moving to our new house at 611 Fortune st., we can now serve up to 12 people at a time.  We are also able to accept guests with mobility issues requiring the use of wheelchairs or walkers.