More than 5 decades of fighting poverty — the Samaritan House

Today, more than 30% of its shelter beds are used by seniors. Many of them are longtime residents who planned carefully for retirement but didn’t account for rents rising to $3,600 a month or higher. Others are teachers, child care workers and public employees who earn too much to qualify for benefits but not enough to afford basic living expenses in San Mateo County.

Like nearly all of the countywide nonprofits, volunteers power most of the day-to-day work with more than 1,500 showing up annually ready to prepare meals, pack bags and more. The Kids’ Closet is entirely volunteer-run. A former Gap employee helped launch the clothing initiative, shaping it to feel like a real store. Clothes are new or gently used, sorted by size and season. “We only offer what we’d give our own kids,” one volunteer explained.

The kitchen, too, is a mix of structure and improvisation. Most of the food is acquired through Second Harvest and grocery rescue partnerships with Trader Joe’s, Costco, Amazon and local supermarkets providing goods near expiration which volunteers then sort, prep and serve. On the day I visited, shrimp noodles were on the menu, inspired by whatever happened to arrive that morning. Every day brings something new, and the team adapts.

During the pandemic, Samaritan House doubled its reach in a matter of weeks. At the height, more than 400 cars lined up daily for the drive-thru pantry. In response to client feedback, it created Cora’s Community Market so families with need could shop like they would at any grocery store. Some still opt for the drive-thru, especially when time is tight. But others enjoy walking through aisles, picking up produce and choosing items that make sense for their household.

Choice is a recurring theme. Whether it’s food, clothing or how to spend time with a case manager, clients are offered real options and dignity is part of the design.

More broadly, Samaritan House offers financial coaching to help families think through these transitions. They run a free tax advisory program, teach basic budgeting, and help clients build plans that are both realistic and hopeful and programs like LIFT (Lifeline to Ignite Financial Transformation) offer longer-term support. The two-year pilot initiative provides single mothers with $1,000 a month while they pursue education or training. Participants work with coaches to manage benefits, arrange child care and plan for the future. One participant, previously working part time, recently secured a full-time role earning $80,000 — the result of both her own determination and a system built to help her succeed.

Behind the scenes, Samaritan House is evolving too. Its newly adopted strategic plan, “Destination 2030,” focuses on four priorities: access, engagement, organizational strength and impact. These values guide everything from volunteer activation to which programs get implemented. 

While strategy is important to any operation, the heart of this organization lies in the gestures that bring a smile to someone’s face in the moment when they need it most. I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly had those moments when you’re on the verge of throwing your hands in the air but one act of kindness gives you the boost to keep going. Here, it might look like a new backpack filled with school supplies, a dozen eggs, a warm coat or clean pillow, or a bouquet of flowers rescued from Trader Joe’s.

As federal programs like SNAP and Medi-Cal face cuts, our nonprofits will be asked to do even more. Fewer resources will almost certainly mean longer lines, deeper need and greater pressure on local safety nets that are already stretched. Whether it’s giving time or donating, every effort helps strengthen the foundation that holds our community together and now is the time to jump in. If you or someone you know needs support or is looking for a way to contribute, visit samaritanhousesanmateo.org.