Samaritan inn
PURPOSE
The Samaritan Inn is a transitional housing facility for homeless children and their parents or caregivers. The program is designed to help families become self-sufficient in a safe environment while teaching them life skills, supporting them as they pursue their personal goals and providing them with spiritual guidance during their journey. The Samaritan Inn is the only transitional shelter in Lake County that accepts families with both men and women and is one of only three such shelters in Central Florida.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Qualified applicants are accepted into the Samaritan Inn Housing Program which allows them to reside at the facility for up to 30 days. During that time they begin formulating an initial case plan. They are provided with various support services including parenting classes, children’s programming, employment services, dinner each night and access to food for breakfasts and lunches.
After 30 days, a resident can choose to exit our program within a month, or apply to become part of the Transitional Housing Program. This program extends their length of stay to 12 months, during which time the family contributes only $200 or $400 per month (depending on the family) for program fees. Each family works with our staff to expand their case plan with more requirements to help them move forward toward sustainable independence at completion of the program. The expanded case plan includes creating a savings and debt reduction plan, regular church attendance, parenting classes and financial, marriage and vocational counseling. Our desire is to see each family leave with stable housing, consistent income and a closer relationship with Christ.
Facilities
The Samaritan Inn facility features 16 rooms, two laundry rooms, a commercial kitchen, exercise room,
dining room, a computer lab, two staff offices and a family “living room” for prayer, study and relaxation.
The property also enjoys a gazebo for outdoor gatherings, a splash pad and playground.
Each resident room is approximately 288 square feet and can sleep four and an infant, if necessary.
Rooms are furnished with a full bed and bunk beds, dressers, a television, refrigerator and microwave.
They are lovingly decorated by the volunteer housekeeping staff, who stock them with linens, quilts,
stuffed animals for the kids, toiletries and a Bible.
History
The Bible talks a lot about the unity of the family, and while the Christian Care Center had a place for men, a place for women and a place for children, we had no place for intact families. To remedy that problem the CCC purchased the Big Bass Motel in 2009. Once a haven for travelers and fishermen, it had fallen into disrepair and was being used primarily for drug activity and prostitution. The renovation project became a collaborative venture with numerous churches, community groups and individuals partnering financially and laboring together to transition the rundown motel to open its doors in 2010. Since the renovation was completed in late 2012, the inn has been home to hundreds of families who have experienced the marvelous touch in their lives that only the Lord can do through people who pour into their lives.
Partnering Options
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Mentor moms and dads
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Mentor children
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Provide childcare while parents are in classes
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Participate in light handyman repair work
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Build relationships with Pizza & Game Night
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Organize onsite or offsite outdoor activities
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Help with special events
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Volunteer as a family counselor
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Offer financial counseling
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Sponsor a family for a day ($29), a week ($200), or longer
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Provide funding to refurbish a room to create a comfortable space for a family to call home
Staff
Samaritan Inn staff consists of four positions:
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The Director oversees all operations of the Samaritan Inn, its programs, facilities, staff and residents.
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The Family Care Specialist assists in the operation of the Samaritan Inn by coming alongside residents as a case plan manager to help them navigate the challenges necessary for a successful future.
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The Resident Manager provides security and assistance for residents mainly after hours while residing on our property.
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The Cook maintains the kitchen and plans, prepares and serves the daily evening meal.
The staff is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who serve in many capacities, from office support
to landscaping.
Kathy Salerno
Director | Samaritan Inn
Kathy became the Director of the Samaritan Inn after serving as the Assistant Director for 3 years. Throughout her many years of vocational ministry, she has served in various roles in inner city churches working with those experiencing life controlling issues, crisis, and trauma related struggles. She has a degree of ministry in Biblical Studies and is a certified mental health coach. Kathy’s greatest joy is serving others by helping them experience true identity and growth in Christ, to showing them how to obtain wholeness and freedom through Christ, so they can fulfill their life purpose for Christ.