Samaritas

Mission: To be Michigan’s largest private foster care organization, helping more than 800 children daily.

Samaritas is a social ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  We play a leading role in refugee resettlement in the state. Samaritas also provides adoption services, foster care, and at-home services and communities for seniors and people with disabilities.

In the Capital Area, Samaritas provides essential support and services through two key programs:

Refugee Foster Care
Our Refugee Foster Care Program offers a safe haven for youth who have fled war, violence, or persecution. These young people, often separated from their families and bearing the weight of significant trauma, are placed in foster homes to provide the nurturing family environment they need to heal and grow. As they gain independence, they may transition to “Rent-a-Room” homes, which provide a bridge to living on their own. Refugee youth also benefit from mentoring to help them adjust to U.S. customs and culture, as well as tutoring to navigate the education system and develop strong study habits.

Affordable Living
Samaritas Affordable Living at Alison House offers 14 barrier-free apartments for physically disabled, low-income individuals capable of living independently. Subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), this program ensures safe, affordable housing where residents pay only 30% of their adjusted monthly income for rent, including most utilities. Open to individuals of all backgrounds, Alison House provides a welcoming environment for those who need accessible and affordable housing.

Through these programs, Samaritas fosters stability, independence, and community for some of the most vulnerable members of the Capital Area.