Samaritan Inn Report - October 21, 2008

Posted by Marc A. Sparks in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX on Oct 21, 2008

Collin County's only homeless shelter

Director's Report

Week 43/2008

October 21, 2008

There are 118 residents, 37 are children.

Weekly Statistics:

Intakes: 8

Graduates: 0

Exits: 4

Program Notes

We know we have been talking about the gala forever. But please allow us to bask just a little longer in it all-Friday was a wonderful evening! 600 guests attended and participated in our cause. Our honorary chair Ebby Halliday made a lovely speech and the faces of our graduates in the audience will not be soon forgotten. If you were there, thank you so much for coming- if you were not; don't miss us in 2009 for our Silver Anniversary Celebration!

Want more good news? We have some. Thanks to the Samaritan Inn Dinner Club- every dinner from today until the end of the year has been sponsored! How about that?!

Cadillac Pizza on McKinney's historic square
is planning a benefit for the Samaritan Inn; there will be great food and fabulous bands, stand by for more details.

The Star Children's Charity will be hosting a winter ball to raise money for their beneficiaries, one of which is the Samaritan Inn. This wonderful evening will feature "The Temptations". For more information, go to our website or www.starchildrens.com.

It's time to prepare for Christmas and Christ Church in Plano is doing just that. Every year they have an alternative gift market and every year they sell certificates, which may be purchased in someone's name, that cover the cost of one days stay at the Samaritan Inn-$37.00- what a great way to give twice!

Story of the Week

For the past three years Lester has been living on the streets of McKinney. He has been a familiar sight on many intersections, always carrying a large trash bag of his belongings. Twice he has come to the Inn for admission, but at the intake appointment he clearly manifested mental illness and became aggressive when it was suggested that he could be admitted only if he would accept a mental health referral. Two months ago he again came to the Inn- he was barefoot, unwashed and hungry. Our caseworker gave him a meal and suggested he come in for just a while to rest. He did. He returned the following week and again we provided a meal and suggested he rest for a bit. We gave him vouchers for clothes and shoes at the thrift store, we found someone to cut his hair and we told him he could use our showers and laundry room. Slowly- very slowly, we developed a relationship with Lester. He agreed to sleep on a mattress in one of our intake rooms, he opened up to staff and other residents and finally he agreed to a mental health assessment. Lester went to Life Path (the mental health provider for Collin County) where he was diagnosed as schizophrenic. He met their definition of a chronically homeless person and is now eligible for permanent housing through a grant they receive from HUD. Lester will soon have a home of his own.

Sincerely,

Lynne Sipiora
The Samaritan Inn

Dates to Remember

Lutheran Golf Outing-

At Twin Creeks Golf Course in Allen, benefitting The Samaritan Inn, Friday, October 24th, 11:00am

Executive Committee Mtg-

Tuesday, October 28th, 7:00pm, conference room

Fundraising Committee Mtg-

Wednesday, Oct 29, 6:00pm, Bent Tree Country Club

Nationwide Tour
TPC at Craig Ranch-
November 3-5
Tickets sold by the Samaritan Inn benefit the Samaritan Inn
$10.00 each or book of 10 for $90.00; Call Molly (972) 542-5302