For more than 20 years, Samaritan House created a home for our guests, providing short-term medical respite care for individuals who are unsheltered or unstably housed and in need of recuperative care. We offered housing, access to medical care, support and love. Samaritan House in its first iteration is now closed.
PRESS RELEASE UPDATE:
Hope Haven begins a new chapter at Samaritan House, continuing its historic mission
to support individuals in need
A ribbon-cutting celebrating the transition will take place on October 1
(September 9, 2026) Charlotte, NC- Samaritan House, the recuperative medical respite program for individuals experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, has transitioned ownership of its property at 611 Fortune Street to Hope Haven, the Charlotte-based nonprofit residential recovery community dedicated to helping individuals and families move beyond cycles of addiction, homelessness, and instability. See below for more details on the ribbon-cutting, and visit hopehaveninc.org for more information on Hope Haven.
“Samaritan House offered the gift of time. People who stayed with us had the opportunity to rest in a place that felt like home and to feel safe as they worked to get back on their feet. It was a really good 20 years. We’re pleased to give the house to Hope Haven and look forward to watching them carry the Samaritan House legacy forward,” said Ruth Woodend and Freda Schlaman, Samaritan House founders.
“Samaritan House made an incredible impact, serving more than 1,500 guests as the area’s only medical respite. Challenging times, a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and increasing expenses brought us to a position where operating was expensive, difficult, and ultimately infeasible. We made the impossible decision to discontinue services in November of 2025 and immediately started looking for another local agency that could carry the Samaritan House torch forward. We're thrilled that Hope Haven received board and founder approval to accept the home as a donation, and proud that Samaritan House's legacy lives on through the impact they'll create,” said Corri Smith, Board Chair of Samaritan House.
Starting in early October, Hope Haven will use the home for men who have completed its 2-year residential program, transitioned off campus, and are almost ready for independence but still need support. Priority housing will be given to eight alumni with subsequent challenges, who can stay for up to 12 months. Fittingly, the addition of Samaritan House to the Hope Haven family coincides with the nonprofit's 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of helping individuals and families reclaim their lives.
Samaritan House will be joining the Arietta Black House as a Residence of Hope Haven. Each safe haven will help alleviate the bottleneck caused by the lack of affordable housing and care at the end of the on-campus Hope Haven program.
"We were beyond honored that the Samaritan House team had entrusted us with its legacy, and we are committed to carrying it forward," stated Anthony Jones, CEO & President of Hope Haven. "In the short term, we’re excited to use the house to extend our services to those who need them most. Long term, the Residence of Hope Haven program is just the beginning. It’s one step toward a broader goal of supporting our residents and alumni well beyond our on-site program, and toward many more success stories that we were humbled to play a role in."
Ribbon-cutting Event Details:
What: An open house where media, community members, and neighbors can hear about the transition from:
Anthony Jones, CEO & President of Hope Haven
Corri Smith, Board Chair, Samaritan House, Founder, Black Wednesday
Paresh Mutha, Board Director of Hope Haven
When: October 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. ET to 12:00 p.m. ET. Ribbon-cutting starting at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Parking: Street parking and several spots available in the back lot.
Where: Samaritan House (611 Fortune St, Charlotte, NC 28205)
RSVP to emma@blackwednesday.co by September 30, 2026. If you wish to attend, press interviews and walkthroughs are available upon request.
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
Samaritan House provided short-term housing and comprehensive case management to support recuperative care for homeless and underhoused individuals.
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
Samaritan House envisioned a world where all have access to short-term medical respite and safe, stable housing for homeless and underhoused individuals.
OUR VALUES
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
The Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of Samaritan House value love, dignity, respect and inclusion of all persons.