In 2023, Catholic Charities' Samaritan Center, our transitional housing facility for homeless families in Vero Beach, faced safety concerns when a risk assessment revealed damage to the parking lot. Because of overgrown oak trees lining the parking lot, the roots caused a broken, uneven surface. Catholic Charities took this risk seriously, as the safety of our residents, staff, and visitors is a top priority. Repairing and replacing the parking lot was a huge unbudgeted endeavor, ultimately costing over $300,000.
The homeless families residing at the center, who work tirelessly to rebuild their lives and build self-sufficiency, deserve the safe haven that the Samaritan Center provides. The parking lot repair and rebuild was necessary to ensure the safety and security of all who enter the center, preserving that safe haven.
Catholic Charities is pleased to announce the completion of this parking lot rebuild. Thanks to the following funding partners, over 60% of the cost for this important repair was underwritten.
Funding Partner Contribution
Bernard A. Egan Foundation $100,000
Diocese of Palm Beach $ 50,000
Johns Island Foundation $ 50,000
Catholic Charities' Samaritan Center provides transitional housing and guidance to homeless families in Indian River County and prepares them to live independently. The average length of stay is 6-9 months. During their stay, the Samaritan Center partners with resident families to provide a nurturing environment, safe housing, case management, support/educational services, and connection to community resources.
Our resident clients are responsible to do the work leading to independence and self-sufficiency. Families must obtain employment and open a bank account and save 75% of their earnings per the financial stability contract. Required educational opportunities are offered to help residents gain independent living skills. Topics include positive parenting techniques, financial management/ budgeting, health and safety, conflict resolution, and household management. Our Four-Tiered Level Program assists clients in progressively moving forward in their independent living skills development.
The Samaritan Center is guided by a service philosophy that values client choice and promotes resident's integration into the community, as evidenced by our success rate of 90% clients living independent 6 months after exiting the program.
