ABOUT
The Samaritan House
The Samaritan House (TSH) of Orangeburg County, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity.
OVERVIEW & HISTORY.
The Samaritan House was established in 2001 in response to a great need in the Orangeburg area, as was evident by the use of a “shelter” that existed under deplorable conditions. After being closed for four years, The Samaritan House reopened in September 2020, under the guidance of the Board of Directors and the direction of Henry Miller, Executive Director.
While the vision of The Samaritan House leadership is that everyone has a safe place to live, we recognize that Orangeburg and The Samaritan House will need to work with determination and diligence to bring that vision to reality.
As the county grows, so does the population of people needing affordable living options. The Samaritan House stands ready to welcome as many as they can and will continue to work with others to seek solutions for the growing need. The shelter has a current capacity of 40 residents, including men, women, and their children.
With the previous four years focused on getting the facility running and coordinating the various programs needed to support the residents, The Samaritan House leadership is committed to taking the necessary steps to move toward our vision.
To prepare for the expansion and scale appropriately to the ultimate vision for everyone to be safely sheltered, The Samaritan House has embarked on a strategic planning process to discover how best to collaborate within the community and to coordinate efforts whenever and wherever possible.
The Samaritan House leadership held a community meeting recently where service and housing agencies, elected officials, mental health, vocational rehabilitation, department of social services, alcohol and drug, other government officials, organizations, and local citizens, met to discuss forming a Coalition for the Homeless for Orangeburg County to address service needs and housing issues.
The Samaritan House leadership met with the City Administrator and presented a budget request for funds to replace old beds and to acquire addittional beds. If the funds are granted this will expand our capacity to 55 available beds. Leadership also met with Senator Brad Hutto seeking funds through the South Carolina Legislative process to renovate and expand the facility's kitchen and dining areas to align with the potential growth. The Facilites Committee is working with an architect to draw up plans for kitchen/dining expansion. The committee is also preparing a Case Statement supporting the expansion for Senator Hutto's presentation to be included in the State's budget in January 2024.
We recognize that it is now time to create policies and procedures to ensure the long-term, sustainable viability and expansion of The Samaritan House and comprehensive services for the unhoused in Orangeburg and the Tri-County area.
To that end, The Samaritan House leadership has re-affirmed its vision, and its mission to offer people experiencing homelessness shelter and resources to secure housing. While our Growth in Community Committee continues to explore the options for collaboration and serving the unhoused beyond the walls of the current shelter location, the goals and objectives outlined in this document will create a solid foundation from which further growth will be possible.
VISION.
Everyone has a safe place to live.
MISSION.
To offer people experiencing homelessness, shelter and resources to secure housing.
CORE VALUES.
Respect and Dignity
Treat and value one another with equal worth.
Service
Contribute resources and talents to assist in the well-being of others.
Outcome Driven
Empower and embrace differences to achieve desired goals and objectives.
Compassion and Caring
Demonstrate humility and passion to others experiencing distress and/or life
challenges.
Integrity
Exemplify honesty and strong moral principles: “doing the right thing even when no one is looking.”
Accountability
Accept responsibility and ownership for one’s decisions and actions.
GOALS.
The Samaritan House improves the quality of life for its residents through individualized housing stabilization programs and services.
The Samaritan House engages competent and ample staff and volunteers to carry out its mission, while maintaining the personal well-being of its human resources.
The Samaritan House offers a facility that is safe, efficient, comfortable, and provides for a productive workplace and living space that meets the needs of
everyone we serve.
The Samaritan House Board governs efficiently and with integrity, guided by sound management principles.
CHANGING LIVES. HELPING PEOPLE.
COLLABORATORS
& PARTNERS.
The Samaritan House is proud to partner with businesses and organizations around the community. If you would like more information on how your business or organization can support our efforts and initiatives, please contact us directly.