Page 2 - 2025 Our Hands Spring/Summer

SamaritasScoop

BY DAVE MORIN, CEO

At Samaritas, we are celebrating our 91st In western Wayne County, we operate the I personally believe this is one of those
year as a faith-based organization. We have a only family homeless shelter, with space for moments where our faith and work are
huge impact on the state — last year, we up to 85 individuals at a time. Even so, the being called into the spotlight. It is a
served over 38,000 individuals in 60 waitlist there has grown to 1,000 people. unique time that we must respond to by
different communities. Our mission stepping up and serving those who have
statement is simply, "serving people as an Samaritas is also the largest refugee the least.
expression of the love of Christ," and service resettlement agency in Michigan. In the past
and mission are at the heart of what we do. four years, we've served over 17,000 And we will survive all of this. It truly takes
refugees. While new arrivals have paused, a village to meet the needs of our
As many of your know, we are one of the our work hasn’t stopped—we continue to communities — and those needs are only
largest child welfare agencies in the state, find ways to deepen our support for those growing. We’d like to walk alongside you,
providing foster care, adoption, family already here. Your support for recently your congregation, your company, or your
preservation services and homes for those arrived families was so helpful. I have too community organization to serve and work
aged out of foster care. We recently many stories to share about how impactful together.
celebrated our 10,000th adoption. My wife that appeal truly was.
and I were just at the graduation party of Let’s find ways we can work together.
Kenneth, one of our aged out foster care Now, As I am sure you are aware, it's been Help us learn about the needs of your
clients. He shared at his party that because quite a first five months of 2025 for us and community. What other services can we
of Samaritas' support, he was able to more change is coming. Virtually every provide? We are actively exploring how we
graduate from an EMT training program single one of our programs may ultimately can expand our impact. Join us in advocacy
and is now working for the Detroit be affected by changes from the Federal and make your voice known. Let’s share
Firefighters. He wants to start a program to Government, which affects all of our clients. our assets. In one congregation, we’re using
help other foster youth do that. rooms to deliver refugee services. At
The question I get asked most frequently another, we may use excess land to build
We provide mental health and substance use these days is "how are you and Samaritas affordable housing. We host meetings in
disorder services. The need is so great that doing in this turmoil"? It's easy to lean into our spaces in Grand Rapids and Detroit.
we could easily double in size and still not the anxiety, frustration and fear that many Let’s get creative.
meet it. One client shared her story of of us are feeling. Despite what is happening,
surviving domestic violence, experiencing our team of 700 continues to tirelessly serve We are all in this together and we will serve
homelessness, and using substances just to each and every day. Watching them go together. We are a light on a hill.
get through life. We were able to walk with above and beyond — quietly and humbly —
her through that terrible time and help her is incredibly inspiring.
begin to heal.
In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus says
We also create housing solutions. Samaritas 14 “You are the light of the world. A town
operates sixteen affordable housing built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do Dave Morin
properties across the state, totaling 850 people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Chief Executive Officer
units. Thirteen of these properties are senior- Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives
focused, and some have waitlists as long as light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same
five years. At our newest development in way, let your light shine before others, that they
Spring Lake, we just housed a veteran who may see your good deeds and glorify your Father
had been homeless for three years. in heaven.

For general inquiries, email info@samaritas.org | For more information visit samaritas.org | Cover: Affordable Living Spring Lake Ribbon Cutting