Samaritan House to Partially Reopen Lobby with Precautions

We believe that our supervisors who interview clients, serve as an important check-in and support system for our families. Through these interviews, we begin the process of assessing each client's circumstances to decide how best to serve them.

Due to COVID-19, our lobby currently is closed, no clients are entering the building, and supervisor interviews of clients temporarily are halted. However, beginning Tuesday, June 2, we plan to partially reopen our lobby, and supervisors will begin interviewing clients. Once again, we will be evaluating the needs of those who seek our help, whether it is food, utility shut-off assistance or shelter assistance.

As we partially reopen the lobby, we will be taking the following precautions:

• Only one client/client family will be allowed in the building at a time, and only AFTER the client has completed a health survey;
• Interviews will take place in the lobby, which is a large room that allows for social distancing between supervisor and client;
• We will be taking the temperature of the client;
• Both the supervisor and the client will be required to wear a mask. If the client doesn’t have a mask, a mask will be provided that client;
• All employees and volunteers in the building will continue to wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing.

We understand that some of our clients are at higher risk from COVID-19 and may not be comfortable with these arrangements. For these clients, we are making alternative arrangements to provide them with assistance.

You can support our mission of providing food, shelter and utility shut-off assistance to local families impacted by poverty and job loss by clicking the "Make a Donation" button below, or mailing a check made payable to "Samaritan House" at 62324 Van Dyke, Washington MI 48094.

Thank you to the community and our sponsoring churches for the outpouring of support for our mission we have received during this time. We continue to trust God for help and guidance.

What We Are Doing to Combat This Virus

• Disinfecting all surfaces that volunteers and staff come in contact with.
• Advising our volunteers and staff to stay home if they are not feeling well.
• Changing our procedures to allow clients to stay safe in their vehicle.

Important Information for Samaritan House Clients

Out of an abundance of concern for the health and well-being of our clients, volunteers and staff we are implementing some new procedures.

Clients seeking food assistance need to call us (586-336-9956) during business hours. Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

You will be connected with one of our volunteers who will take your food order. You will then be advised of a time to pick up your order. You will remain in your vehicle and volunteers will place your order in your trunk. If you are not feeling well, let us know and we will discuss how we can get groceries to you.

We believe this new procedure will assure the health of all involved, so that we can continue to serve those in our community. We appreciate your patience during this time.

A Note From Our Director

I want to make sure families know that Samaritan House is here to help with food, especially now that schools are closed. We realize the toll this can take on families. If you find yourself needing food during this time please call us. We are here to help.

We will get through this. We have a supportive community and we are here for you.

God Bless, Kathy Wojcik, Executive Director

© 2020 Samaritan House