Good Samaritan Haven is a Vermont nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to people experiencing homelessness in central Vermont

It’s Our 40th Birthday!

We turned 40 on June 23, 2026 and want to celebrate our collective success as a caring community through the decades!

In honor of four decades of service to our neighbors experiencing homelessness, we’re launching a community-driven effort to raise $40,000.

Through Give Lively’s peer-to-peer and team fundraising tools, Facebook fundraisers, and direct gifts to Good Sam, we’re inviting supporters to join us in sharing our mission and amplifying our impact.

This milestone is not only a celebration of the thousands of lives we’ve touched—it’s a call to come together and ensure we can continue providing shelter, support, and hope for years to come.

Click on the links above to learn more about how you can help ensure that Good Sam is around for as long as we are needed in this community!

Good Samaritan Haven Seeks AmeriCorps Member to Rebuild and Grow Volunteer Program

Good Samaritan Haven was built by volunteers. When the organization opened its doors in 1986, it was a grassroots effort powered by community members who came together to make sure people experiencing homelessness had a safe place to sleep. For many years, volunteers were an essential part of Good Sam’s day-to-day work.

As Good Sam returns to the AmeriCorps program, the organization is seeking a Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to help rebuild and grow its volunteer program.

The AmeriCorps member will connect community members with volunteer opportunities at Good Sam, turn existing opportunities into a coordinated program, and identify new ways for people to contribute their time and skills. Good Sam is actively recruiting for the position, with service expected to begin in January 2027.

Click the link above to read more about the AmeriCorps member role at Good Sam.

Luke Rackers Shares Co-Executive Leadership with Julie Bond

Good Samaritan Haven is excited to introduce Luke Rackers, who has been appointed Co-Executive Director alongside Julie Bond as the organization enters its fifth decade of service.

“I’m honored to serve with Julie, and uplift this important mission along with the board of directors, our dedicated staff, and numerous community partners, whose collaboration is essential to supporting our unhoused neighbors,” said Luke. “Good Sam’s history and work in the community is 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.”

Follow the link above to learn more!

We believe housing is a human right. We honor the common humanity and diversity of all people and are committed to treating each person we help with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Emergency Shelter Program

Good Samaritan Haven’s Emergency Shelter Program serves hundreds of our homeless neighbors each year. We operate the only homeless shelters in Washington County for adult individuals. Our current facilities are located in Berlin, Barre, and Barre Town.

Many individuals live on the streets, in cars, or camp in the woods. Our street outreach team works to directly connect with these individuals to offer safe shelter opportunities, food, water, and health care. We work closely with local public safety officials and agency partners to help meet our unsheltered population’s needs.

Food Program

Each evening, at one of our shelter facilities, Good Samaritan Haven offers a nutritious meal. Many are home-cooked and provided by community members or churches. We provide for many other basic needs like clothing, help with laundry, and personal hygiene.

Words From The Community

“You played a leading role in saving my life. Thank you
for enabling me to attain a level of dignity.”

“In recognition of your goodness, loving hands, and many
acts of kindness, we are pleased to make a donation.'”

Need Shelter?
Call 802.479.2294

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