Staff and Association Leaders Lend a Helping Hand at Samaritan Inn
This past month the Dallas Builders Association staff had the opportunity to volunteer at the Samaritan Inn, a local organization in Collin County that provides shelter and support for those in need. This opportunity was made possible by the Multifamily Builders Council, which sponsors a meal every month.
The staff, Holly Pemberton, Misty Varsalone, Coleman Yates, Sheena Beaver, Kris Cox and husband Kyle Cox, were joined by Past President Michael Turner of Classic Urban Homes and current President John Porizek of M/I Homes. They participated by helping with dinner and dessert service for the residents of the Inn.
The Samaritan Inn’s program takes a holistic approach that supports those experiencing homelessness with everything they need and teaches them life skills to expedite their journey back to self-sufficiency. On a given night, approximately 160 people sleep at the Inn, of which 1 out of 3 are children.
If you’re looking to also get involved here are some of the ways the shelter needs help.
Meal Sponsorship. (8 volunteers) Meal Sponsorships are crucial to help feed residents three meals a day, especially with the rising cost of food. For a minimum donation of $350, your group can sponsor and serve breakfast, lunch or dinner. Samaritan Inn chefs prepare all the food, and volunteers serve the meal. Up to 8 people can serve at one time.
Bag Lunch Brigade. (around 10 volunteers) Provide supplies and assemble 80-100 sack lunches (i.e. bread, sandwich meat, sliced cheese, two individually wrapped snacks (chips, cookies, etc.), bottled water and zip-lock bags). 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. shifts.
General workday. (20 volunteers) Workday based on the biggest need at the time. Often includes deep cleaning, light yard work and sorting donations. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Weekdays or Saturdays.
Donation Drive. Self-organize a collection drive in your neighborhood, school, work, church, friend group, etc. and drop off items at the Inn. A list of needed items can be found at www.saminn.org and look under the Get Involved. Items can also be purchased off the Amazon Wish List, which is updated regularly with the most current needs.
Sponsor a Gateway Apartment Move-In. The shelter also operates Gateway Apartments. When residents graduate the program, if an apartment is available, they can move into the apartment for up to a year. Organizations can sponsor an apartment by getting all the needed items (furniture, sheets, towels, dishes, etc.).
Resident Activity. (number of volunteers vary depending on the event but are usually under 10) Residents are offered a lot of different activities varying from events for families, children, singles or all resident events.
If you would like more information about any of the listed activities or if you have any questions contact Julie Berger at Volunteer@saminn.org.
From left: Misty Varsalone, Michael Turner, Sheena Beaver, Holly Pemberton, John Porizek, Kris Cox, Kyle Cox, Coleman Yates