Samaritan Fellowship

Samaritan Fellowship is a nonprofit ministry located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Established in 1958, it is dedicated to assisting neighbors in need through community service and charitable works. As a 501(c)(3) organization, contributions to Samaritan Fellowship are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law[2][4].

Mission and Services

The organization's mission is guided by Christian values, aiming to serve families and individuals within specific geographic areas without regard to race, creed, color, gender, or ethnic origin[5]. Samaritan Fellowship provides various forms of assistance, including:

• Gas Vouchers and Car Repairs: These are provided to help clients attend job interviews, work assignments, and doctor appointments[5].
• Heating Oil: Provided to families with children to ensure warmth during winter months[5].
• Rent Assistance: Paid for working families facing temporary financial shortfalls to help them maintain their homes[5].
• Referrals: Clients are referred to agencies offering financial counseling to aid in regaining financial stability[5].

Operational Structure

Samaritan Fellowship operates as an all-volunteer organization, which significantly reduces administrative expenses. This setup allows approximately 95 cents of every dollar donated to be used directly for client assistance[2].

Eligibility for Assistance

To qualify for assistance, individuals must reside within the Carlisle Area School District, South Middleton School District, or Middlesex Township. Those living outside these areas are directed to other local organizations for support[3][5].

Application Process

Eligible residents must document their needs through a Samaritan Fellowship application and participate in an interview. Assistance is granted based on evaluated needs, with payments made directly to service providers rather than individuals. In some cases, clients are required to participate in bill payments or undergo financial counseling as a condition for receiving assistance[5].