When Temperatures Decrease, Needs Rise
The impact of winter on those facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
One Night in January, One Important Outcome
The impact of the Point-In-Time Count to strengthen housing and support for those facing homelessness.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Costumes, Dogs, and Smiles for a Good Cause
2nd Annual Halloween Howler Bbrought 90+ runners and walkers to Anson B. Nixon Park!
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
‘They Are Just Like You or I’: An Insider Look at Good Sam’s Winter Shelter
On many nights throughout January and February, Kristi would be at the Good Sam Winter Shelter, her friendly face welcoming our Ephrata neighbors in need into the doors of The Living Room Church. Here, men and women who otherwise would have spent the night in the cold have a chance to breathe, get warm, and […]
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 […]
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, […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Unlocking the Power of Human Connection: The Role of Rapport and Trust in Social Work
What has drawn me to study and practice social work is the social work core values of the importance of human relationships, dignity, and worth of a person. In treatment, in therapy, if you are not building rapport, it does not matter what intervention or evidence-based practice you use, it simply will not be successful. […]
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 […]
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 […]
New Ephrata Office Building Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Join us for the ribbon cutting and open house of our new Ephrata office building!
New Ephrata Office Building Progress
A photo journey of the construction progress at our new Ephrata office building!
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 […]
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 […]
Turning Pain Into Purpose
“My husband and I decided to make a monetary donation to Good Samaritan Services in honor of our daughter, Liz, who along with her husband, Ryan, have started volunteering at Good Sam in Ephrata, helping wherever they are needed and very excited to do so. It’s heartwarming to hear Liz tell stories of the good […]
Beauty from Ashes: Celebrating New Beginnings After Ephrata Fire
August 8th, 2021 was a difficult day for Good Sam. Within 7 weeks of purchasing a new property to continue serving the community of Ephrata, a devastating fire broke out in the building and put our plans on hold. This year on August 8th, exactly one year and many repairs and renovations later, we were […]
Good Sam Expanding to Serve Kennett Square!
During Good Sam’s 20+ year existence, there have been several instances in which we were approached by other organizations seeking to partner with us. After starting our ministry in Phoenixville, we expanded to Ephrata in 2011 when we were invited to take over a shelter program for women and children. In 2017, we were asked […]
Good Sam Doubles Emergency Shelter Beds Available in PXV
Just a few years ago, Chester County had seen a decrease in homelessness by almost 23%, however; those numbers were determined just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Today, Chester County is only seeing increases in homelessness and poverty. The good news is, Good Samaritan Services has doubled its service capacity by transitioning two of its housing […]
Steinman Foundation Funds Winter Shelter Success
Good Samaritan Services’s Winter Shelter was an enormous collaborative effort from the Lancaster County community, and we are thrilled to report on its success. Between December 1st, 2020, and March 16th, 2021, Good Sam was able to provide 781 nights of shelter, over 1,500 meals, and continued support to those who utilized our facility. This […]
Good Sam Receives PANO Standards of Excellence
Local homelessness agency Good Samaritan Services continues to expand its capacity to serve individualsand families experiencing homelessness. It’s warming up outside, but the need for housing doesn’t disappear with the snow! Beginning on March 16th, 2021 Good Sam’s winter shelter facility will transition from a nightly shelter to a 60-day emergency shelter program. With this […]
Winter Shelter in Ephrata to Transition to 60-Day Emergency Shelter for Warming Months
A photo journey of the construction progress at our new Ephrata office building!
The Taste Tradition Continues!
Good Samaritan Services and Local Phoenixville, PA restaurants join together to continue the 19-year tradition of raising funds for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The 19th Annual Taste of Phoenixville was a smashing success! Bringing in over $83,000 in funding, Good Sam and the Phoenixville Community did not let COVID-19 stop them. With a pivot […]
A Change in Parenting
One of the valuable resources we provide here at Good Samaritan Services is our Parenting Education & Support. Through this resource, we help develop participants’ parenting skills and knowledge of children’s developmental ages and stages. We also help families understand the impact of trauma and create skills for resilience. Our Family Resource Coordinators and Family Specialists […]
House Donated
In late December of 2019, Good Samaritan Services became the official owners of 214 St. Mary’s St! And we paid nothing for it. This beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom home was gifted to us by an anonymous donor in the Chester County community. In the fall of 2019, our donor wanted to find an organization that would […]
Partners in Hope
Transitional Housing. New apartments available in partnership with Hopewell UMC. Hopewell United Methodist Church is ready to launch its transitional housing program in partnership with Good Samaritan Services! On Sunday, January 26th, there was a great celebration of the completion of one of the two apartments at The Well. Together, Hopewell UMC and Good Sam cut the […]