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

We are excited to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Luke Rackers, formerly Director of Administration, to serve alongside Julie Bond as Co-Executive Directors. As Good Samaritan Haven begins its fifth decade of service, the organization is returning to a shared leadership model designed to support the organization’s evolving work. The Board of

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, with several ways you can participate. Through Give Lively’s peer-to-peer and team fundraising tools,

Click this link to view report: Good Sam 2025 Gratitude Report

Good Sam guests, staff, and board members came together for an inspiring evening at the June 5 Montpelier Art Walk! Our community proudly shared a wide range of creative work—from stained glass and poetry to quilts, acrylic paintings, hand-painted tiles, decorated outlet covers, a hand-sewn fabric bowl, pencil drawings, diamond art, a fiction book, pottery,

As we launch our spring appeal, we want to share the poem “Two Totes” by Good Sam Executive Director Julie Bond. “Two Totes” powerfully captures the reality many people face when entering shelter—being asked to fit an entire life into just two small containers. The poem highlights the emotional impact of loss and displacement and

As April 1st approaches, many of our neighbors will be forced out of temporary motel placements and back into unsheltered homelessness. Our Street Outreach Team is preparing for another difficult season of crisis response, helping people who are suddenly outside with the basic supplies needed to stay safe and connected to care.​ Good Samaritan Haven’s

Good Samaritan Haven is proud to announce the official opening of Turret House, a newly renovated year-round emergency shelter in Montpelier, Vermont. The facility will provide safe, stable, and supportive spaces for adults experiencing homelessness—offering a place of rest, dignity, and connection for some of Washington County’s most vulnerable residents. Turret House will become the

(L-R: Tanya and Kathi) We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tanya Crawford-Stempel who served on the Good Sam board from 2020 to 2025, culminating in the role of Board Chair.  Tanya brought more than 25 years of experience in nursing, public health, and community leadership, providing vital guidance and support throughout Good Sam’s arc of

This year, we lost critical federal and state funding at a time when even more people in our community are struggling to find safe shelter. We have not yet reached our 2025 fundraising goal—and your support is truly needed now more than ever. Thank you to everyone who has already given so generously. As a

GiftDrive (giftdrive.org) was born out of a University of Vermont dorm room when three students, Logan Vaughan, Miro Gohacki, and Corinne Atwell, saw how difficult it was for local nonprofits to collect in-kind donations. “We recognized the need to simplify giving, making it as easy as online shopping, so we created a free platform where

Good Samaritan Haven is proud to announce that on Monday, September 15, we officially closed on the purchase of the Turret House shelter, a new year-round emergency shelter located in Montpelier, Vermont that will provide safe, stable, and supportive space for adults experiencing homelessness. About Turret House Turret House will be the fourth year-round shelter

July Newsletter: New Permanent Montpelier Shelter | Street Outreach Team in Jeopardy https://mailchi.mp/f92921a9bce4/new-montpelier-shelter-street-outreach-team-in-jeopardy

Click this link to view our 2024 Gratitude Report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tGWcgxEhKdgwtFpUNIPg63OJCmH3FXtb/view?usp=sharing We are always amazed by outpouring of support Good Sam receives from the central Vermont community and beyond. We are pleased to share highlights of how your investment in our work helped our most vulnerable neighbors. You literally saved lives!

Emergencies don’t wait. Neither do we. That’s why we are asking for your help. Every day, we witness the fallout from decisions made beyond our control that have dire consequences and leave vulnerable people in our community without a place to sleep.   The scaling back of the motel program this spring once again pushed

Montpelier, VT – Today, shelter and service providers from across Vermont sent a letter to Governor Scott calling for urgent action from the Governor to address the loss of emergency shelter for Vermont’s most vulnerable unhoused residents. The end of the General Assistance (GA) Emergency Housing Program’s winter weather protections on March 31 has left

Green Mountain Transit is working with Good Sam to design a “double loop” bus route to specifically serve our Guests who access the BAART clinic in Berlin. BAART Director, Yvette Vermette-Stevens, and Good Sam Director of Case Management, Mo Sivvy, have formed a collaborative team with Monica White and Melissa Pelchat (Director of Services and

As we prepare to close our Montpelier Day Space on April 30, we want to share our deep appreciation for everyone who helped make this pilot program possible. Launched in response to a clear community need, this was Good Samaritan Haven’s first day space program separate from our overnight shelters. From December through April, we

The Empty Bowls benefit, in support of our neighbors experiencing homelessness, was a big success — thanks to organizers Mike Sullivan of The Mud Studio and Pam Day of Blockhouse Studio! We were grateful to share the evening with 300 community members at this sold-out event. More than $18,000 was raised! It was nice to

https://secure.givelively.org/event/good-samaritan-haven/empty-bowls-fundraiser The Mud Studio of Waterbury and The Blockhouse Studio of Waitsfield, two local community-driven ceramic arts studios, are proud to announce the annual Empty Bowl Benefit on Sunday, April 13th at the Zen Barn in Waterbury. The event will raise funds for the Good Samaritan Haven, a local homeless shelter in Barre, providing vital

On February 19, 2025, Julie Bond, the Executive Director of Good Samaritan Haven, testified before the Vermont House Human Services Committee at the Statehouse, providing critical insight into the challenges of serving people experiencing homelessness and the need for sustainable solutions.  During testimony, Bond highlighted the severe impact of last fall’s reductions to the General

We are thrilled to announce that Good Samaritan Haven’s recovery shelter has advanced to full certification as a recovery-oriented shelter through the Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences. This achievement makes us the only hybrid shelter-recovery residence in Vermont—a distinction we’re incredibly proud of! This model is an important step forward in how we support individuals

Many of you may remember our Colorful Quilts With Love project last year when each guest received a handmade quilt at the holidays. We wanted to say thank you to our supporters and offer a chance to win the quilt shown below. We’ll enter names for everyone who gave a gift of $10 or more between

November 25, 2024, Winter Appeal What a year it’s been. We’ve felt the effects of the end of the state motel program, another flood, rising numbers of unsheltered individuals, and an extreme shortage of affordable housing.   As hardships and setbacks impede our work, your support is vital in helping us care for our neighbors

[November 25, 2024] As we enter this season of gratitude and reflection, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our community and share our latest uplifting moments. We are grateful that you recognize the humanity in every person and offer your support throughout the year. Our wonderful case managers have

Julie Bond and Rick DeAngelis were recently honored for their extraordinary work in affordable housing at this year’s Vermont Housing Finance Agency statewide housing conference. Before a room of 500 attendees, Julie and Rick received the award, which was presented by Gus Seelig of Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. Julie offered the following response: Thank

In addition to operating our three shelters and the winter overflow shelter at the Elks Club, Good Sam staff have been working tirelessly to provide life-saving aid to ultra-vulnerable individuals who have been exited from the State motel program. With no other choice—and with the help of several faith communities and many of you—we have

Hundreds of lives are at risk as vulnerable individuals and families are forced out of the state-funded motel program for people experiencing homelessness. Good Samaritan Haven is focused on a temporary but critical solution: keeping people alive. Good Samaritan Haven is urgently appealing for donations to fund motel stays for those at the highest risk

At Good Sam, we prioritize our guests’ pathways to education and provide support to help them achieve their dreams. We are excited to share–and celebrate–some recent guest achievements. KRISSY Milestone: Received her GED through Vermont’s Adult Education and Literacy Program Honors: Valedictorian of her class Question: How do you feel about yourself? Are you proud?!Krissy:

As of August 1, Good Samaritan Haven Co-Executive Director Julie Bond has assumed the role of sole Executive Director.  Julie brings more than 25 years of experience in operations, fundraising, compliance, and project management to Good Sam, a shelter network for those experiencing homelessness in central Vermont. Her background spans higher education, government, and nonprofit

We know it’s difficult to keep up with changes to the General Assistance Emergency Housing program. Here is a calendar with our interpretation of the new eligibility criteria.

As I lay on the concrete floor of a large room at the Elks Club, listening to cots creaking, people either snoring or pacing, and the rain from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl pounding on the metal roof overhead, I considered how very lucky we were to be safe, dry, and secure in that moment.

6:00 PM Tuesday Good Sam Co-Executive Director Julie Bond shifted into high alert when Montpelier Police Chief Eric Nordenson contacted her late on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. He asked if Good Sam could run an emergency pop-up shelter for folks camping outside while remnants of Hurricane Beryl came through, exactly one year after the 2023

Our new wellness program, the Building Hope and Resilience Project, has guests painting, meditating, walking outside, and spending time journaling together. And, they are having a great time doing it!   Special thanks to Katie O’Rourke for leading the acrylic painting sessions. “One guest told me she looks forward to it every week and it’s the best

DONATE TODAY Dear Friend, April showers can bring May flowers, but an April snowstorm brought about a desperate situation for one elderly person facing homelessness. This individual was left at the Montpelier Transit Center in the middle of Vermont’s heavy April snowstorm. Wheelchair-bound with significant medical issues, the inability to care for themselves, and loss of

The Boston Globe article, “When Homelessness and Disability Intersect” by Stan Grossfeld, highlights Vermonter Darron Phillips’ extraordinary struggles as a person experiencing homelessness while also requiring the use of a wheelchair and help with daily activities. It also illustrates the challenges for an increasing number of older folks with age-related infirmities who are unsheltered. When

The winter overflow shelter, operated by Good Samaritan Haven at the former Elks Club in Montpelier, will extend its seasonal operation and remain open for an extra month to help meet the need for safe shelter in the area. The new closing date is May 31. Good Samaritan Haven Co-Executive Director Rick DeAngelis stated: “We

APPROXIMATELY 60 PEOPLE IN BARRE DISTRICT WILL NEED TO LEAVE Berlin, VT–Good Samaritan Haven is strategizing on how to best assist approximately 60 area residents who will need to vacate six Washington County motels on Friday, March 15.  The exodus is occurring due to the conclusion of the Adverse Weather Conditions Program, a state initiative

Approximately 50 people gathered in a circle on the Statehouse steps in Montpelier to raise awareness of the homelessness and housing crisis in Vermont. Good Sam Co-Executive Director Julie Bond led a vigil and speak out to talk about the issues unhoused folks face, and remember the ones who died in 2023. Flags placed on

This winter, nearly 500 people are experiencing homelessness in Washington County. Everyone who arrives at Good Sam brings a unique story that contains hardship and grief. It can be a life chapter that is deeply distressing and lonely. A gift from you can change this, and help build a community of connection, care, and compassion.

The Colorful Quilts With Love Project, led by Jane Erickson, is a heartwarming expression of love and kindness. Jane, and other talented quilters from across Vermont and beyond, joined together to make quilts for every Good Sam guest this winter. We couldn’t be more grateful to Jane and everyone who sewed their love into these

With cold temperatures and snow settling in, Good Samaritan Haven is expanding their emergency shelter and street outreach services to help house and care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.  On November 13, a portion of the former Elks Club building, set on the outskirts of town on Country Club Road, will

Good Samaritan Haven is proud of how far we’ve come over the past 40 years! To honor and celebrate our continued commitment to helping the unhoused in our community, we’ve updated our look to better represent the many critical services we provide today. Formed in 1983 by the interfaith community, we continue to address the

Nearly a fifth of Vermonters experiencing homelessness during the state’s most recent headcount were 55 or older, according to a VTDigger analysis. Advocates say they face daunting risks and challenges. Not too long ago, Valerie Fisher had what she called a “cushy, comfortable life.” The 69-year-old was raised in Northfield, attended Norwich University and even

Good Sam’s 2002 Gratitude Report is now available here so you can see how your support helped hundreds of our neighbors in need.

Thank you for being part of Good Sam’s response to the unprecedented crisis of homelessness in central Vermont In the last month, we have witnessed firsthand how the motel program closure is affecting individuals and families who have few other options than to camp. We are working tirelessly to come to the aid of as

“Homelessness”By Poet & Homelessness Advocate Jacob Folger Homeless MorningHomeless Noon and NightI am alone, fear gripping meAs I fight this fight. Cardboard for my bedTrash bag for my headNo future home in sight‘Move on’, the land owner says.  Sleeping rough.Boy, it’s tough.My days, no job to doI have no purpose, where oh where am I

Testimony of Good Samaritan Haven Co-Executive Director Rick DeAngelis, Washington County   January 18, 2023 For the record, my name is Richard DeAngelis and I am the Co-Executive Director of the Good Samaritan Haven or Good Sam for short. We provide shelter and services to individual adults experiencing homelessness in Washington County. Over 30 years ago,

Read Colby’s story about how she and her partner lost their home, had to live in their van and then a motel room for a year.

On August 11, 2022 Good Sam hosted a grand opening celebration to acknowledge and honor the partners and donors who made the Welcome Center vision a reality. The following is a list of some of the many organizations, financial supporters, and communities who helped make it happen…

Good Samaritan Haven, in partnership with Vermont Housing & Conservation Board (VHCB), Downstreet Housing & Community Development (Downstreet), and many other community supporters, celebrated the grand opening of the Good Sam Welcome Center, an 18-room, 35-bed emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness in central Vermont on Thursday, August 11. The event was attended by Welcome

We have so many thoughtful and talented volunteers helping Good Sam. Tom Bachman is certainly among them! He’s a former overnight shelter volunteer, former long-time board member, generous donor, and, his architect firm designed the new Good Sam Welcome Center. Learn more about Tom and why he devotes so much time and energy to the

Barbara Jenne has been a Good Sam shelter manager for several years now. She’s worked at our main location on North Seminary Street in Barre and supported folks living in various motels through the pandemic. The guests and staff value her knowledge, compassion, and leadership. Barbara will be the shelter manager at the new Good

Dear Friends, There are more than 400 adults and children living in shelters, motels, and outdoors in Washington County. Here are just a few examples of the vulnerable, isolated, and disconnected in our community: A woman in a green knit hat (she’s not yet ready to share her name with our outreach team) who lives

Julie Bond has joined Rick DeAngelis as co-executive director of Good Samaritan Haven. Good Sam provides emergency shelter and support services, offering stability, safety, and hope for people experiencing homelessness. DeAngelis, a long-time affordable housing and community development professional, has served as executive director of Good Sam since March 2020. Prior, he was on the

Because our community cares so much about our unsheltered neighbors, Good Sam has a lot of news to share! Read more about how you’ve helped improve–and even save–lives in our first official Gratitude Report since Good Sam’s beginning. Thank you for sustaining Good Sam for more than 35 years so we can provide emergency shelter