The Good Samaritan Shelter is an organization with a lot of heart. Everyone involved in our work - staff, board members, volunteers - has a deep sense of passion and commitment to fulfilling our mission of providing shelter and critical services to homeless men, women and children in the greater Phoenixville and Ephrata areas. It is an absolute thrill to be part of an organization that is making great strides and achieving impressive results.

Click here to see our Ephrata and Phoenixville success story brochures.


Comments from former residents:

"I personally can not think of any other place to be than here while homeless. It isn't a place to just rest your head, it's a place to find yourself before God and know that you can move on and be somebody. My confidence has increased and I personally needed this particular shelter to find my way." - A current resident of our shelter in Ephrata

“I have been here two months and this is what they did for me: they took me off the streets, fed me, clothed me, gave me food, helped me get in touch with my God, helped me get food stamps and helped me get a checking account. They went out of their way to help. Please let them help you if you need it!” - A former resident of Phoenixville.

“If it weren’t for GSS, I don’t know where I’d be. Good Samaritan Shelter gave me the gift of the time I needed to take stock, regroup and head out in a healthier, happier, sober lifestyle.” - A former Resident of Ephrata

"She was quite a different person than the one I had known 3-4 years before, as a patient. I honestly would not have been surprised if someone had told me she was dead because of the life she lived. This program has helped her pick up the pieces. She has completed not only high school but a cosmetology program as well, and recently got a full time job as a hair stylist. All the while she had a safe place to live, with people who care for her, give her guidance, and help to make her accountable for herself. Her children have a place they can call “home.” - A volunteer of Ephrata

“My accomplishments while being a resident at Good Samaritan showed me all things are possible. Throughout my stay I was able to save money, build my patience, and deal with my struggles of everyday life. It taught me to deal with the outside struggles without family nearby to aid me. Having people who kindly cared about you regardless of where you’re at in life. All these things motivated me to accomplish all life goals day by day without being able to have a whole new out look on life and knowing all things are possible because everyone goes through rough patches; it’s just the matter of picking yourself back up. It really makes a difference in your life knowing there is always someone or something that’s truly cares and wants you to get ahead in life.  Thank you to everyone for all your support and help.” - A former Resident of Ephrata

“Thanks to the Good Samaritan Shelter, I was given a chance to build a stronger foundation and take my life in the right direction and keep my goals in focus. I would recommend the shelter to people because it would help them to get their priorities in order and help them with getting their life back on track.” - A former Resident of Ephrata

“I greatly appreciate the tremendous help and support from the director and staff of GSS. If it weren’t for them, I would not have positively progressed in my life to the point I am at now. I am much better off compared to when I first arrived. This is by far the best shelter for those who are ready to be productive and progressive. Thank you.” - A former Resident of Phoenixville

“Being on drugs and alcohol made me lose focus. Good Samaritan Shelter helped me get back to a normal life. While staying at Good Samaritan, I got my confidence back. I went to 12 years of school and graduated. In High School, I worked at McDonald’s where I was Assistant Manager. People had high hopes for me when I was younger. But as we get older, we get into different things. Unfortunately for me, I got into drugs and alcohol. I was married for 13 years and have two daughters and six grandchildren. So they see how far I’ve come, thanks in part to Good Samaritan Shelter. My family is really proud of me and how I am doing. And it makes me feel good when the grand kids say “pop-pop”, I can receive that with a good feeling knowing that I am doing the right thing.”  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"When I arrived at GSS, I was in a very difficult financial position, and totally at a loss as to what to do. Fortunately, and never had a concern about losing my dignity. I was provided for with food and bed in a quality and private environment. Art, my house manager; Nate, the ED; Tim, the Case Manager; and Dan, the administrator, were always available with a kind word. Direction and support were always provided in a fair and reasonable way. My time with GSS has been productive and truly delightful, especially considering the circumstances under which I arrived! Thanks to all."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"Good Samaritan is a good place, I recommend it to anybody that needs help."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"It has been a pleasure staying at GSS and to have met the people in the office and in the shelter. Will continue to seek employment and would consider moving in to GSS transitional housing in the future."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"The shelter is a great place to be for a homeless person to go if you are in that situation."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"I definitely would help and support this organization for what they have established here so far and recommend them to anyone in need and wants a chance to really get on their feet because they are welcoming and friendly and will really assist you. I had great ambitions and was motivated from my first day at the shelter. I found a job a few days after being at the shelter! So if you really want to apply yourself, doors will definitely open up for you. I loved it here and in my opinion they're the best around!"  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"I am grateful for the opportunity to stay at GSS."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

"I found that over time I needed a lot of time to get myself to the place of having some sense of purpose... my time in Phoenixville has allowed me to see that my life isn't over and perhaps worth living..."  - A former Resident of Phoenixville

“Good Samaritan Shelter has been extremely helpful. They have helped me with food, resumes, jobs etc. It is like unlike any other program I have ever seen. It has opened my eyes to see how good people can be. When you show effort and enthusiasm, there are so many people that are willing to donate their time to help you.” - A former Resident of Phoenixville

“Good Samaritan Shelter has given me more direction in my life. I didn’t really know where I was going before I came here. All the counseling and being sober has been helpful beyond belief. I didn’t realize I could get the help that I have gotten.” - A former Resident of Phoenixville

“Good Samaritan Shelter has given me a network of people that I have met who are in the program and people on the outside. It has helped me with career counseling and resumes. The people at the shelter have opened doors for me in the business world. It has given me a chance to financially get stable again. It has renewed my faith in people. I have seen a lot of love, generosity, support, and the willingness to help. People really want you to become a success. I don’t feel alone anymore. I have a new faith and hope. I have been able to go to church and renew my faith in Christianity.” - A former Resident of Phoenixville
GOOD SAMARITAN SHELTER
141 E. High StreetPO Box 551Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460T 610-933-9305F 610-917-9815
PO Box 756Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522T 717-733-3395F 610-917-9815
Copyright 2008-2013. The Good Samaritan Shelter, Inc. All rights reserved.
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