Good Samaritan Ministries and Thrift Store

Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) provides critical social services to Helena regional area community members by creating a network of care and connecting individuals and families to resources to help create stability in their lives. Our partnerships with other area nonprofits, the homeless shelters, the Helena Police Department, and other entities help us meet the day-to-day needs of vulnerable individuals in our community. In 1989 the thrift store concept was developed to provide employment and training to referred individuals and generate revenue for the assistance program. We currently have 39 staff members and 9 board members to support the store and ministry with an annual operating budget of $1,634,637.  The assistance services we provide includes emergency rehousing for the homeless, rental assistance, housing assistance, clothing vouchers, utilities, medical prescriptions, and medical supplies.

 In addition, through an outreach location, the Our Place Drop-in Center provides peer support for mental health and addiction in addition to getting clients set up with services such as Medicaid, identification documents, and transportation to medical appointments. Treatment, housing….and a safe place to be with certified peer supports

Mission Statement:

Good Samaritan Ministries, motivated by Catholic social teaching, works in our community to advance family life, human dignity and the common good. We provide services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths, especially those most in need. 

Association with Catholic Church:     Good Samaritan Ministries serves as the social justice arm of the Diocese of Helena and Helena's four Catholic parishes.  We have been serving the people of Helena and its surrounding communities for over twenty years. The Good Samaritan Thrift Store is an independent business entity but does receive infrastructure support from the Diocese of Helena such as access to group insurance and financial services. 

Governance:     Good Samaritan Ministries is a nonprofit agency governed by a Board of Directors with 9 voting members that includes two members from the 4 parishes - one with a financial background and one with social justice background, a member from the Diocesan Chancery office and a member from Carroll College.

Funding:    Our agency and all its ministries are funded through our Thrift Store, Ministry, donations from the Catholic Parishes, many other Churches, We are affiliates with the United Way and also receive many generous private donations from individuals and businesses.