What We Do

Good Samaritan Ministries is a faith-based ministry that provides for those in need through education, mentoring, and social services.

Good Samaritan Ministries serves the poor, the needy, the destitute. We seek to serve the homeless and to reach out to prevent homelessness in the six counties of east Tennessee. We do this by providing essential goods and services to those experiencing both temporary and long-term financial hardship. Yes, we meet the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing, but also seek to empower the escape from poverty. We recognize the God given dignity of each individual and participate in a ministry of restoration: one that enables wholeness as people realize their full potential in Christ.

We do not work in isolation from the community. We work within a continuum of care alongside churches, individuals, agencies, as well as local, state, and federal government as we provide a combination of relief and long-term solutions to poverty and homelessness in our region.

Where do you fit in? This ministry exists because individuals and churches have decided to be proactive about poverty and homelessness. Through volunteer hours and financial support we are able (with God’s help) to reach out a helping hand to those who are in need, and develop long-term solutions.

Essential Services:

      1) Food Boxes and Hot Meals at the Melting Pot
      2) Rent/Utilities/Deposits
      3) Clothing and Showers for Homeless Men
      4) Referrals to Community Agencies and Services
      5) Delivery of Hot Meals through the Shepherd Program
      6) Social Work Case Management

We offer a number of UNIQUE SERVICES:

      1) Pet food pantry
      2) Free Legal Clinic
      3) Free eye exams and vouchers for eye glasses
      4) Furniture for fire and flood victims
      5) Assistance obtaining ID’s, Social Security Cards, or Birth Certificates
      6) Low Cost Thrift Store
      7) Budget Counseling
      8) Free Christian Care and Counseling Services
      9) Transportation
      10) After-Care for returning from incarceration
      11) Mentoring for children who have a parent incarcerated
      12) In-Home Elderly Visitation and Assistance (social workers and volunteers)

Annual Programs:

      1) Back-2-School and Summer Food Program
            o In 2012 we served 2,335 children with backpacks, school supplies, shoes, and clothing. 
            o Three major food distributions served local children and families throughout  the summer as school lunch programs do not extend their services through summer months.
      2) Thanksgiving Program
            o Thanksgiving Food baskets and turkeys
            o Prepared meals to the elderly
      3) Christmas Program
            o Christmas Gifts for children and teens
            o Christmas Food Boxes
            o Prepared meals to the elderly