November 2026 Newsletter

Download a PDF to read the full newsletter. Or read our featured article below.

Determined to Make a Better Life

Gabriella and her son Rizzo became homeless because of low wages and high living costs. Between rent, childcare, and car repairs, they were just able to meet expenses. When her car broke down beyond repair, she could not afford to replace it. Without transportation, she lost her job.

Gabriella said, “We were totally broke. I said, ‘I’m not doing this anymore: I searched for homeless shelters and found Samaritan Inn. I just about cried when I was told you had room. Someone drove us here:’

She was determined to make a better life. While at Samaritan Inn, she worked to get a GED. When they left here, they moved into UCC student housing. For two years, she worked to get a Welding, Associate of Applied Science Degree while working part-time.

After graduation, they moved back to Samaritan Inn. She now has a skill to make higher wages. She now has a skill to make higher wages. She is diligently looking for a position to apply her abilities in welding, blueprint reading, and fabrication.

In the meantime, Gabriella is working different part-time jobs. She has taken classes to become a caregiver, making higher wages. Her son is now old enough to go to the Boys and Girls Club after school, saving her childcare expenses. She has saved enough money to purchase another car.

Gabriella said, “I met a lot of really great people here. I appreciate this being an all-day shelter, having three meals a day, and a lot of resource information. We like to sing in Chapel and learn things about creation and the Bible. We go to a church:’

Her determination is paying off. She just needed the right resources for support.