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.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought that volunteer program to a halt, as it did for many organizations. In the years since, Good Sam has grown significantly—from one shelter to four year-round locations serving people across central Vermont—and the organization is now rebuilding its volunteer program with the same community spirit that helped launch it 40 years ago.
There are many meaningful ways for community members to help at Good Sam, from preparing meals to organizing supplies, caring for shelter grounds, supporting street outreach, and assisting guests who are settling into new homes.
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.
“We are thrilled to once again welcome and host an AmeriCorps Member at Good Samaritan Haven,” said Co-Executive Director Luke Rackers. “Community service is a vital part of our ethos and values. It requires many hands and hearts in the community to help ensure unhoused individuals are stabilized as they are moving from unsheltered homelessness to shelter to housing. Our AmeriCorps role is a special opportunity to bring a community of volunteers together to have a collective impact.”
“We have so many people in the community who want to help, and so many things that volunteers can do that make a real difference,” Rackers said. “What we need now is the structure to connect those people with the right opportunities and make volunteering work well for everyone—our volunteers, our staff, and the people we serve.”
The Volunteer Engagement Coordinator position offers a unique opportunity for someone interested in nonprofit work, community engagement, housing, homelessness services, or volunteer management.
For Good Sam, bringing back a stronger volunteer program is particularly meaningful as the organization celebrates its 40th year.
“Volunteers have always been part of Good Sam’s story,” said Good Sam Board Chair Kathi Partlow. “We started as a community of people coming together to make sure our neighbors had a safe place to sleep. We’ve grown tremendously since then, but that spirit of working with and building community remains the heart of who we are.”
Current volunteers see the value of that connection firsthand.
“I feel it is important to support Good Sam in its mission to help the most vulnerable and high-risk folks in our community,” said Jon Udis, who volunteers with Good Samaritan Haven, coordinating material donations. “We must do whatever we can to help make our communities a better place for all, in whatever way we can.”
Tom Kyle picks up food from local restaurants and the Montpelier Senior Center and distributes it across Good Sam’s four shelter locations.
“I’m hoping to contribute, even if only in a very small way, to supporting individuals who may be going through a difficult or transitional time in their lives,” said Tom. “It’s been very heartwarming and encouraging to see how much some food establishments are willing to donate to those in need.”
People interested in applying can learn more and apply through the VHCB AmeriCorps program at VHCB AmeriCorps Service Opportunities.