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Author: info@goodsamservices.org

Overcoming Homelessness to Spread Compassion

Tom was living in his truck, now he’s spreading compassion. After Tom lost his job due to severe illness, he ended up living in his truck, with no place to go. He reached out to Good Sam and with the compassion and support we were able to offer him, he soon worked his way through […]

Nearly $180K Raised at the 24th Annual Taste of Phoenixville!

Taste of Phoenixville 2026 With over 380 tickets sold, the Phoenixville community showed up in a big way to support Good Sam at the 24th annual Taste of Phoenixville. The entire night was an incredible display of what happens when the community comes together around a common cause—and it was an amazing evening. 20+ venders […]

Foxwynd Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Good Samaritan Services

Good Samaritan Services Receives $50,000 Grant from Foxwynd Foundation to Strengthen Housing and Support for Women in Phoenixville [Phoenixville, PA] – Good Samaritan Services (Good Sam) is deeply grateful to announce a generous $50,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation that will strengthen its ability to house and serve women in Phoenixville following its merger with […]

Compassion Changed Everything for Bruce

Compassion Changed Everything for Bruce When Bruce first connected with Good Samaritan Services, he was living in a tent under a bridge with his son, JJ. As winter approached, Bruce was offered a place to stay with a family member on one condition: JJ couldn’t come. For Bruce, the choice was easy. He would not […]

Rolling into Victory: Highlights from the 8th Annual Phoenixville Bed Races

This year’s Phoenixville Bed Races was another incredible day of community spirit, friendly competition, and simple fun. Over a dozen teams came to compete in incredible costumes and gave it their all on the racetrack—all to support our neighbors facing homelessness. From sponsors to volunteers to bed racing teams, everyone who had a role in […]

From Tent to Home: Mercedes’ Story of Determination and Community

This is how futures are transformed. During the coldest months of the year, Mercedes was living in a tent, walking over an hour to her late-night food service job each day. But after a year of homelessness, Mercedes was finally able to find a home at Good Sam. With support from our team, a volunteer […]

SNAP Benefits: Breaking Down the Misconceptions

As SNAP benefits pause due to the government shutdown, those at or around the poverty line are facing some tough decisions. Meet rent payments or get food on the table? Pay the electric bill or get a fresh meal? Across the country, there are over 41 million people that rely on SNAP benefits to get […]

Stewarding Our Spaces: Some Big Renovations Happening at Good Sam!

Every day, we serve over 300 people across two counties and five locations and our goal is to treat each person who comes through our program with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our homes are designed to be welcoming, warm and clean spaces and we are always looking to improve. Whether it means putting […]

How KC Found Purpose and Stability Through Good Sam

For KC, coming to Good Sam was a direct answer to prayer. After losing his well-paying job, his savings quickly dwindled, and he had to leave his apartment and eventually even had to sell his car. With winter in full swing and nowhere to go, KC found temporary refuge at Ann’s Heart Winter Shelter while […]

Helping Seniors Facing Homelessness: The Power of Supportive Housing

At 73, Eugene was facing homelessness with nowhere to go. His partner had recently moved into a nursing home, and without that second income, he could no longer afford their shared apartment. With winter approaching and no options in sight, Eugene was on the brink of sleeping in the cold. As soon as we received […]

Street Outreach: How We Love Our Unhoused Neighbors

All around Ephrata, there are men and women who have fallen on hard times and are now unhoused—and Katie knows each of their names. Every day as our Outreach Resource Coordinator, she is out visiting with them, checking up on them, seeing if they have any needs. This simple act shows them the dignity and […]

Sonya’s Story

Stability Starts with You! As a proud Good Sam graduate, Sonya is grateful for the tools she gained in our program—tools that helped her build lasting stability. At Good Sam, we don’t believe in quick fixes. We walk alongside each person with compassion and personalized support, equipping them to live independently long after they graduate. […]

Holding the Keys to a New Start: John’s Story

Your support helps create new beginnings. Meet John. After losing his home due to alcoholism and eviction, he ended up in Good Sam’s emergency shelter. With a lot of hard work, he tackled every goal we put before him—securing an income, getting a job, etc. Soon, he was the first participant to go through every […]

Short-Term Counseling at Good Sam: Building Mental Health from the Ground Up

At Good Samaritan Services, our short-term counseling program is designed to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability begin the process of healing—by first focusing on what’s most essential. At Good Sam, we believe wellness includes every aspect of life, and want our participants to thrive in each of these 6 areas. Rooted […]

“Honey, I’m Home:” A Family Reunited

Your support helps families create brighter futures. Kieona and Pedro didn’t just find housing, they were reunited with their children. They became the first two-parent family Good Sam was able to house under one roof. And because of that stability, they were able to reunite with their kids, who had been in foster care. This […]

Double Your Good is Here!

Together, we can love our neighbors well. Your support helps make new beginnings possible. Partner with us this July during our Double Your Good campaign to help neighbors facing homelessness reach stability and find hope. Right now, your gift will be MATCHED thanks to our generous Double Your Good sponsors for double the impact! Give […]

Good Sam Receives $125K PHARE Grant

We’re thrilled to share some incredible news—Good Samaritan Services has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund, managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)! This grant is part of a historic $73 million investment to support 387 housing initiatives across all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. This […]

What Happens After Prison? The Link Between Incarceration and Homelessness

Those who have been in prison at least once are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public. Read that again. The links between homelessness and incarceration are real and sobering, putting some individuals in a loop cycle that is hard to escape. Homelessness often leads to incarceration … incarceration often leads […]

Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness

  Mission: Preventing and ending homelessness in Chester County, Pennsylvania The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is a community-based collaborative that strives to end homelessness in Chester County by actively promoting access to safe housing without discriminatory prerequisites or conditions. They work together with partner agencies like Good Samaritan Services to leverage resources, provide […]

Hitting a Record! The 18th Annual EPC Golf Outing Raised $40,000

You Chipped In—And It Made A Difference! Nothing could stop the fun at this year’s EPC Golf Outing. Even with hot temperatures and a chance of rain, these incredible golfers showed up, teed off, and helped us raise a record $40,000, our biggest total yet! We are so grateful for everyone who chipped in, on […]

Celebrating a New Chapter for Good Sam and PWO

Your Support Means the World! The turnout for our Merger Celebration was fantastic, and we are overflowing with gratitude because of everyone’s support. This milestone joins two organizations with the same passion—to respond compassionately to those experiencing homelessness in our community. To see so many people come together under that mission was incredible!   A special thank […]

‘Good Sam Helped Me Remember that I am a Human Being’

After going through every step of our program, Jason recently accepted a position on Good Sam Staff as a house manager. His story is one of perseverance and dedication.  Read it in his own words. Hello, I’m Jason, JayB for short. I was born in California, moved to Denver, and then my family made it […]

Little Chicks & BIG Conversations: Creative Therapy at Good Sam

At Good Sam, we are always looking for ways to bring creativity, safety, and connection into our approach to therapy. In recent group sessions for children in our program, our in-house licensed therapist invited a few unexpected guests into the room: live baby chicks. Yes, they were irresistibly cute—but more importantly, they sparked deep, heartfelt […]

When Women Face Homelessness

We all know the stereotype, a homeless male holding a cardboard sign on the sidewalk. But homelessness takes on many faces, often ones you wouldn’t expect. A woman living in her car, fleeing an abusive relationship. A brand-new mother staying in a hotel with nowhere to call home. An individual who lost their job due […]

“Sometimes You Just Need a Little Support.”

At 22, Alexa found her passion—helping others heal. She started working at a rehabilitation center, providing treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. The work was heavy, but it was meaningful. She stayed for over eight years, never imagining a reason to leave. “I truly grew up there,” she says. “At that […]

Exciting Merger! Phoenixville Women’s Outreach is Becoming Part of Good Samaritan Services

We are excited to announce that Phoenixville Women’s Outreach (PWO) is officially part of Good Samaritan Services, uniting two organizations deeply committed to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. This means even more women in our community will receive the housing, support, and resources they need. Through this merger, PWO’s two homes will now operate under Good […]

MacKissic Inc.

  Yard Equipment Manufacturers in Pennsylvania Today we are a full scale original equipment manufacturer in PA with a focus on lawn and garden equipment. Although this all started over 75 years ago in a home cellar making tools farmers needed, we now make tools for homeowners, commercial landscapers and for the rental market. Through […]

Ephrata Eats 2025: Nearly $70,000 Raised!

A Record-Breaking Evening! This year’s Ephrata Eats brought another sold-out crowd to Pour Man’s Brewing Company in downtown Ephrata. Because of everyone’s generosity, we raised a record-breaking amount of nearly $70,000! Each dollar raised lets us continue to respond compassionately to those approaching or facing homelessness in our communities.  A special thanks to Ephrata National Bank […]

Supported to Thrive: Matt and Ava’s Story

Caring for a child with a serious illness or disability is one of the toughest challenges a parent can face. The constant medical appointments, hospital stays, and around-the-clock care often mean parents have to cut back on work—or stop working altogether. Without a steady income, keeping up with rent or mortgage payments can feel impossible. […]

One Crisis Away: How Housing Instability Can Happen to Anyone

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been nothing short of catastrophic, displacing thousands in an instant and leaving entire communities grappling with uncertainty. While natural disasters dominate headlines, they highlight a deeper truth—housing instability can happen to anyone. The reality is that stability is often more fragile than we realize, and many of us […]

Another Year, Another Record-Setting Taste of Phoenixville

Taste of Phoenixville The Phoenixville community showed up once again for the 23rd annual Taste of Phoenixville for another record-breaking year! Our vendors served up an incredible selection of food, drinks, and desserts, and you brought joy and excitement. Because of everyone’s generosity, we raised over $186,000 to continue our work at Good Sam. Our hearts […]

Lessons Learned from Racing a Bed

In November, Good Sam participated in the annual Phoenixville Bed Races, a fun and competitive event that has become a beloved tradition for our community. We partnered with our friends at Ann’s Heart, and together we raised an incredible $40,000 to support our work with individuals experiencing homelessness. It’s always inspiring to see the community […]

Finding Family at Good Sam

In Pennsylvania, the average rental cost of a one-bedroom apartment is $1,478. That means that someone earning minimum wage would need to work over 47 hours a week and spend every single penny on rent to afford a one-bedroom apartment—leaving nothing left for other essentials. This makes finding housing challenging if not nearly impossible for […]

Dashing all the Way!

Even though it was a brisk and chilly December morning, the Kennett community still showed up in a big way for our inaugural Reindeer Dash—the third and final race of this fall’s Holiday Hustle! We had runners of all ages participate in both the 5K run and the 1-mile walk and they made it look […]

Foxwynd Foundation Awards $42,000 Grant to Good Samaritan Services to Expand Counseling Program

Foxwynd Foundation Awards $42,000 Grant to Good Samaritan Services to Expand Counseling Program [Chester County, PA] – Good Samaritan Services (Good Sam) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a generous $42,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation to support its counseling program. This critical funding, made possible through the Foxwynd Foundation DAF (Donor-Advised Fund), […]

The Holidays and Hidden Hardships: Addressing Mental Health

The Holidays and Hidden Hardships: Addressing Mental Health For many, the holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But for individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty, it can be one of the most challenging times of the year. At Good Samaritan Services, we see firsthand how this season can amplify feelings of isolation, […]

A Second Chance at Hope: Kevin’s Story

“Good Sam’s Help Allowed Me to Change Perspective” Looking at Kevin, you’d never know the journey he’s been through and both the mental and physical challenges he had to overcome to get to where he’s at today. His story is one of perseverance and patience—and the faithfulness of God. May of 2023, Kevin was laid […]

Let’s Race! Community Unites For the 7th Annual Phoenixville Bed Races

The Phoenixville community came together in a big way to make the 7th annual Phoenixville Bed Races a success! Spectators of all ages lined Third Avenue to cheer on teams as they raced for the title of “Fastest Bed”. The competition was tight but a big congratulations to NGS Productions for taking home the winning […]

The Inaugural Halloween Howler: A Spooky Good Time!

Our inaugural Halloween Howler went off without a stitch! This was the first of three races in Kennett Square this fall benefitting those facing homelessness in Chester and Lancaster counties and we loved seeing the community come together in support! Darth Vader, Mario and Micky Mouse all showed up to race and between the fun […]

New Housing Now Open in Lancaster City

ribbon-cutting

Our newest housing facility is officially open in downtown Lancaster City! Once office space, this newly renovated N. Lime St. location marks a significant milestone for Good Sam as it’s our first housing facility in Lancaster City dedicated to serving single mothers and their families. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners—WellSpan Health, Clark […]

It’s School Time! The Impact of Homelessness on Education

It’s back-to-school season, a time full of excitement and new beginnings for many children. But for those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and housing insecurity, this season is filled with uncertainty. Think about it: how can a child focus on learning when they are worried about where they’ll sleep that night or dealing with a home environment that’s anything […]

Adopt-a-Room Lancaster City

Adopt a Room! Exciting News! At Good Samaritan Services, we’ve been busy transforming our Lancaster City property into a welcoming short-term housing for single mothers and their children who are at risk of homelessness. This location, previously used for case management and counseling, has been reimagined to also include housing to better support families in […]

Making a Difference: Planned Giving

As a CPA for 40 years, I often worked with clients on their estate plans. For many people, this was an extremely difficult and emotional process and they often put off completing their plan. Personally, I knew the importance of putting a viable plan together so that my family was protected should I die early. […]

Paving the Way for Her Son

For Daja, getting connected with Good Sam meant the chance to give her son a better life. For months, Daja was overpaying for the small, run-down house she lived in with her now 11-year-old son and was often required by her landlord to pay for things that were not her responsibility as a renter. With […]

Excited for the Future: Ebony’s Story

Excited for the Future: Ebony’s Story Ebony, a Good Sam graduate, achieved some incredible milestones during her time in our program: securing a job, signing a lease for her family of four, and completing her first year toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Together, we can love our neighbors well. Your support helps make futures […]

Kay’s Story: Back on Her Own Two Feet

Kay’s Story: Back on Her Own Two Feet Kay’s life now is completely different from her life a year ago and the proud smile on her face says it all. A single mother of three children, Kay made ends meet by working a part-time job at a local hospital and picking up plenty of extra […]

Ramon’s Journey from Homelessness to Stability as a Single Father

https://youtu.be/VJh6jiWltV4?feature=shared At Good Sam, we are committed to continually growing to better serve our communities. Over the past year, we identified an unmet need: an increasing number of single dads experiencing homelessness and lacking resources. In response, we pivoted to dedicate one of our properties to housing single fathers and their children. As a single […]

How Heat Affects Those Facing Homelessness

Thursday and Friday, temperatures in Lancaster County and Chester County are expected to soar to over 90 degrees with heat index values reaching 100 degrees and above. Both counties are under a heat advisory, with Chester County under an excessive heat warning. All that to say, it’s hot. For most, this means spending extra time […]

Healing Hearts: Mental Health Awareness Month

On average, when people begin counseling at Good Sam, their depression score tends to fall in the moderately depressed range. Depression can have a profound impact on various aspects of everyday life, including functionality and stability. When left untreated, it can intensify existing challenges and potentially lead to or worsen homelessness. Depression can often affect […]

Double Your Good

During July, the first $75,000 in donations received will be MATCHED thanks to a generous donation! Plus, all new monthly donors in July will have their total donation amount for the full year matched dollar for dollar! Donate this July to help us unlock the full match funds and double your impact.

Chief Operating Officer

Complete the form and upload your resume to apply for the Chief Operating Officer position at Good Samaritan Services.

Leaving a Legacy of Love: Sally Wise

Over $20,000 Donated in Honor of Sally Wise Some people have an incredible way of touching hearts during their lifetime, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and kindness that never fades. Sally Wise was undeniably one of those special souls. Shortly before Sally passed away on March 17, she and her husband, David, asked friends […]

An Amazing Ephrata Eats!

An Amazing Ephrata Eats: $54,000 Raised! We are thrilled to announce our inaugural Ephrata Eats event raised over $54,000! On behalf of Good Samaritan Services and the individuals and families we serve, THANK YOU to all our wonderful sponsors, restaurants, committee members, and guests who contributed to the success of the event. https://youtu.be/mRxia9saHrs Thank You […]

Understanding Homelessness and Mental Health: A PIE Perspective

Homelessness goes beyond individual challenges; it is a systemic issue intertwined with societal structures. The Person in Environment (PIE) theory sheds light on this complexity by emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between individuals and their environment. In the context of homelessness, PIE theory prompts a holistic examination of the contributing factors and their impact. Homelessness is […]

Behind the Wheel of Hope: Joe’s Story

Think about the countless destinations you’ve reached in the past 15 years: your workplace, doctor’s appointments, grocery runs, your children’s schools. Now, imagine navigating those journeys without the freedom of a driver’s license. After a decade and a half without a driver’s license, Joe recently took the necessary steps and successfully got it reinstated! He […]

Matched Savings Making an Impact!

Our Matched Savings Program at Good Sam is a unique and impactful opportunity for those we serve. By fostering healthy saving habits, the program not only encourages individuals to save but also amplifies their efforts, accelerating their progress toward achieving their savings goals. Kevin Kevin’s determination knows no bounds. Through surviving cancer, facing homelessness, and […]

Record-Setting Taste of Phoenixville

Taste of Phoenixville We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Taste of Phoenixville raised over $147,000, setting a new record for the event’s 22-year history! On behalf of Good Samaritan Services and the individuals and families we serve, THANK YOU to all our wonderful sponsors, vendors, and guests who contributed to the success of the […]

From Seeking Shelter to Shaping Lives

After fleeing from an abusive relationship with her two young boys, Ashley had no idea where she was going to live. When she moved into Good Sam’s housing, she began setting goals, budgeting, saving money, meeting weekly with a mentor, and rebuilding a sense of confidence and self-worth. “This is the first time my kids […]

Spreading Joy

Spreading Joy Thanks to all of our wonderful supporters who donated gifts, stockings, and Christmas meals for the individuals and families in our program, we were able to put smiles on over 300 faces this holiday season!

Christmas: The Beginning of Something Really Good

The holiday season: with all of the craziness of shopping, parties, traveling, and traffic, it is good to have a reminder of the true reason for the season. We all hear the Christmas story this time of year and I was thinking, how does the Christmas story relate to the work Good Sam does?  Here’s […]

Eternally Grateful: Daiana’s Story

Daiana entered our program as a single mother of three, having rented the same apartment for four years. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, her landlord began continuously raising her rent. Simultaneously, Daiana was furloughed from her job. The landlord suggested seeking assistance from ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program), but when Daiana secured a new job, […]

Finally Finding It: Hope!

Depression had been a constant companion for Craig, often keeping him in bed for days on end and making it challenging to hold down a job. During one particularly dark period, Craig’s girlfriend ended their relationship and asked him to move out of their shared apartment. With nowhere to go, Craig felt completely lost and even […]

Meet Anrifat

After making the difficult decision to leave an abusive marriage, Anrifat and her 10-year-old son moved into emergency housing at Good Sam. Anrifat’s top priority was having a place to call home where her son, who is on the autism spectrum, would feel comfortable and safe. She feels blessed to have found that at Good […]

Mental Health Matters

Housing loss or being at risk of losing housing is a crisis. So, everyone who walks through our doors at Good Sam seeking assistance is in active crisis. This is often in addition to the loss of trust in other agencies and the impact of traumatic events, physical health concerns, and barriers to receiving basic […]

Building a Brighter Future: Alberto’s Story

Meet Alberto, the first person to move into Good Sam’s Kennett Square property as part of our emergency housing program! Alberto is from Venezuela and came to America looking for opportunities to better support his family. While here, he struggled to find housing and eventually was connected with Good Sam. Alberto says he now considers […]

Breaking the Cycle: Co-Parenting & Conquering Homelessness

For Brandon and Alison, providing a better future for their two children, Raylan (7) and Rosalee (3), was the driving factor behind seeking help from Good Sam. Struggling with substance abuse, they lost their housing and were staying with a family member. They felt their drug use was fueled by tension in this living environment […]

It’s Time to Speak Up

We need you to stand with Good Sam and give a voice to the voiceless. Three years ago, there was a widespread community request for a winter shelter for homeless individuals in Ephrata, and Good Sam was asked to provided the much-needed service. Now, the future of our Winter Shelter program is in jeopardy. During […]

Compassion Conquering Obstacles

Randy has not had an easy life. His father left the picture when he was just five years old, and his childhood memories include a house filled with violence, poverty, and drug and alcohol abuse. Randy remembers a constant feeling of loneliness as a child. “Going to school, I always felt like an outcast. I […]

Go + Do x 2

Our fall match campaign is the perfect way to become a modern-day Good Samaritan! Jesus encouraged us to “go and do likewise,” and November is the perfect time to answer that call. During the entire month of November, gifts will be MATCHED by our generous sponsors, multiplying your impact (x 2)! 🖱️ LEARN MORE