Leaders at The Samaritan Center expect the center’s nearly complete $3.1 million renovation and expansion to help grow its mission of helping those in need in the surrounding areas.
The privately funded project will increase the size of the storefront by nearly 50 percent, allowing both the thrift store and social services operations of the center to expand to meet the increased need in the community.
“We’ve had some very generous folks that believe in the ministry of The Samaritan Center,” said Executive Director Tony Dahlberg.
The remodel will allow for the addition of a third room for social services, as well as a larger entryway and thrift store intake room for donated items. It will also make the center more energy efficient, which will help decrease operating costs, Dahlberg said.
So far, expansion for the thrift store is complete and the store is currently open. The remodel portion of the project is expected to be finished before Christmas, he said.
“We want it to be in good shape to serve this community for many years into the future,” said Dahlberg.
He credits the community for the success of the center, which is able to run without any grant money or government funding.
The thrift store portion of the operation generates roughly $1 million in revenue each year, he said.
“It takes about 60 cents of every dollar to cover our thrift operation costs. The other 40 cents then cover our administrative costs and some of our social service costs, so when people come make a cash donation, I can tell you we don’t take any overhead out of those funds. One hundred percent goes to assistance services,” said Dahlberg.
He also emphasized the affordability of the items in the thrift store, which he said helps preserve a sense of purpose and control for those in need who shop there.
“These are more than just simple items,” said Franklin Farrow, vice chairman of the center’s board. “They’re solutions to problems that preserve dignity. It isn’t charity or a handout, it’s encouragement.”
“And,” Dahlberg added, “two-thirds of our clothing we sell for 50 cents per item. That’s the same price we had over nine years ago.”
To learn more about The Samaritan Center and its operations, visit thesamaritancenter.net.