Good Samaritan Haven

08/27/2026

Musicians wanted for Montpelier’s first Porchfest🎶

We'd love to participate in Montpelier’s very first Porchfest and fill the Turret House porch with music!

Porchfest is happening Sunday, September 20, from 12–5 p.m., bringing neighbors together for a free, laid-back celebration of music and community. We’re hoping to have musicians play throughout the five-hour event, so the more musicians, the merrier.

Please fill out our volunteer form to let us know you’re interested in joining the fun or share with your musical friends. cognitoforms.com/GoodSamaritanHaven/GoodSamaritanHavenVolunteerApplicationForm

Thanks to the generous support of the Vermont Community Foundation, Monteverdi Music School is making this first-ever Montpelier Porchfest possible.

08/26/2026

We’ve been feeling a lot of gratitude lately and want to acknowledge the generous individuals and organizations who helped restock the essential supplies we bring to people living outside.

We anticipate more people living outside as we head into fall and winter, and tents and sleeping bags are among the supplies we need to replace constantly.

Thank you to everyone who has already given—and to everyone who continues to show up for our vulnerable community members!

If you can contribute please use this link: giftdrive.org/drive/176

08/25/2026

Good news! We have a guest who is moving into a new home on September 1 and could use your help.

In addition to needing help with this move, we’re looking for volunteers in general with flexible schedules who are available on short notice to help move furniture and personal belongings into a guest’s new apartment. Volunteers should be comfortable lifting and carrying items such as mattresses, bed frames, dressers, tables, chairs, and boxes.

Because housing opportunities can come together quickly, moving days are often scheduled with little advance notice. Having a team of volunteers we can call makes all the difference in helping our guests settle into their new homes.

If you can help on September 1--or in the future--please complete our volunteer application: cognitoforms.com/GoodSamaritanHaven/GoodSamaritanHavenVolunteerApplicationForm

08/21/2026

In case you missed the big news--we’re happy to share that Luke Rackers has been appointed Good Sam’s Co-Executive Director, serving alongside Julie Bond.

Since joining Good Sam as Director of Administration, Luke has helped strengthen our internal systems, support our staff, and build the foundation we need to sustain and grow our work throughout central Vermont. Their experience spans nonprofit leadership, operations, fundraising, program development, and community partnerships.

Luke also brings a wonderfully creative perspective to leadership. A pianist, composer, and educator, they have spent years finding innovative ways to build connection and community—including developing the nationally recognized Creative Care Kits program during the pandemic, which received a USAging Aging Innovations Award.

Luke approaches challenges with compassion, ethical decision-making, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to collaboration. In 2023, they were selected for the inaugural Obama Foundation Leaders USA program in recognition of their work strengthening communities through partnership and innovation.

“I’m honored to serve with Julie and uplift this important mission alongside the board of directors, our dedicated staff, and community partners,” Luke shared. “Good Sam’s history and work in the community are extremely dear to me, and I’m excited to bring my passion for social connection and belonging, gerontology, creativity, and organizational learning and development to this role.”

When not at Good Sam, Luke enjoys hiking, composing and performing music, caring for a beloved Beagle/Jack Russell mix, and exploring the arts and cultural scenes of nearby cities.

Please join us in congratulating Luke and welcoming them into this new chapter of Good Sam leadership!

08/21/2026

Thank you to the wonderful folks at Northfield Savings Bank for stopping by the Welcome Center, bringing a generous gift, and taking the time to see our work firsthand. We enjoyed having you here!

NSB is proud to make a $5,000 donation to Good Samaritan Haven, an organization dedicated to providing shelter, support, and pathways to stability for individuals experiencing homelessness in Central Vermont.

This contribution will help provide nourishing meals and essential everyday items for shelter guests, ensuring they have the support they need as they work toward housing, employment, and a brighter future.

We’re honored to support Good Samaritan Haven and the meaningful impact they make in our community every day.

07/31/2026

Every time we ask for tents, sleeping bags, and tarps, we wish we didn't have to.

These items aren't designed for months of continuous outdoor living. They endure constant exposure to rain, snow, wind, sun, and daily wear.

People sometimes ask if we can simply reuse donated tents. We do when we can—but many older tents arrive with missing poles, mildew, leaks, or other damage. It takes significant staff time to inspect, assemble, test, clean, and repair each one, and many ultimately aren't safe or reliable enough to distribute.

We believe the answer to homelessness is housing—not tents. But until everyone has a safe place indoors, we want to be able to offer dependable gear.

Thank you for continuing to help our Street Outreach Team provide the essentials people need today while we work toward the lasting solutions our community deserves.

Please visit our gift drive for tents and other critically needed outdoor gear: https://www.giftdrive.org/drive/176

07/30/2026

We've got a great staff!

Visit our website to learn more about us and apply.
Please share this and help us spread the word!

07/27/2026

Congratulations to Downstreet Housing & Community Development on the grand opening of Speranza Inn in Barre! This is a tremendous accomplishment and a much-needed resource for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community. We wish them every success!

07/16/2026

We have a few teams signed up for our 40th anniversary celebratory fundraising campaign but need your help to build momentum!

You don't have to be a fundraising expert. Create your own fundraising page or gather a team of friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors and invite them to support the work of providing shelter, outreach, and housing assistance to people experiencing homelessness in central Vermont.

Then, share your campaign page and tell people why you think Good Sam's mission is important to our community. Remember, it takes a village!

Every dollar raised helps provide a safe place to sleep, warm meals, outreach to people living outside, and support as individuals move into stable housing.

Whether you raise $100 or $5,000, you'll be making a difference.

Join the campaign today!
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/good-samaritan-haven/celebrating-40-years-of-good-samaritan-haven