As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of independence and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supports our mission. This day marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, a time to honor the values of freedom, equality, and hope. At Samuel’s House, these ideals inspire us every day as we work to provide a safe haven for women, children, and families in need.
We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community, whose generosity and compassion make our work possible. To our dedicated volunteers, your time, energy, and kindness help us build a brighter future for those we serve. To our donors, your contributions provide essential resources and opportunities for growth and transformation. To our partners and advocates, your collaboration strengthens our efforts and amplifies our impact. On this Fourth of July, we celebrate not just the freedoms we enjoy but also the collective efforts that enable us to extend hope and support to others.
As we gather with loved ones and reflect on our nation’s values, let us also remember the importance of extending those values through acts of service and compassion. Thank you for standing with us as we work to create a community where everyone has the chance to find stability, hope, and independence. We wish you all a joyful and meaningful Independence Day filled with gratitude and celebration.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Samuel’s House!
This Father's Day, Samuel's House honors all the fathers who play a crucial role in the lives of their children and families. Fathers are pillars of strength, guidance, and love. Today we celebrate their unwavering dedication and the positive impact they have on our community.
At Samuel's House, we understand the importance of family, and we are grateful for the fathers who support and inspire their loved ones every day. Whether through moments of joy or challenges, your resilience and compassion make a world of difference.
To all the fathers in our community and beyond, we wish you a wonderful Father's Day filled with love, appreciation, and blessings.
Thank you for providing guidance and for being the role models for your children so they may be loving and supportive dads for their families.
At Samuel’s House, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless blessings upon blessings we receive every day. From the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors to the resilience and strength of the families we serve, our hearts are full. Words cannot fully express our appreciation for the community that stands with us, ensuring that women, children, and families in need find shelter, hope, and a path to a brighter future. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission and for continuously showering us with your kindness and compassion.
On May 3rd CPI Security blessed Samuel's House with 110 of their staff members who volunteered while visiting Key West on a corporate retreat.
A connection initially made with us 10 years ago through our beloved Cheryl Cates and reconnected with us again through our treasured board member Jackie Herbst.
These generous, kind and enthusiastic volunteers painted the exterior of the shelter, the white gate inside and out, the sheds and conex box as well as all the doors.
They donated their precious time, supplies to paint and made a donation toward the much needed replacement of our computers.
On June 5th Samuel's House Board Member Casey Arnold and his Southernmost Scavenger Hunt team (Shannon Mahaffey, Jay, Casey Patton and Mack Desmond) hosted a 160-person Scavenger Hunt for a corporate retreat staying at the Casa Marina who wanted to give back to a local organization in a fun and exciting way. They decided on a Back-Pack-Give-Back Program!
26 Teams were given 3 backpacks each with the goal to stuff them full of school supplies while out on the Scavenger Hunt in Key West. As a result this amazing group donated
backpacks filled with to the brim with more than $7500 of schools supplies.
Thank you Casey Arnold, The Southernmost Scavenger Hunt team, the generous Corporation, Key West Monopoly, Mandy Bolen Miles and Britt Myers at The Keys Weekly Newspapers for covering this blessing and ALL who contributed to this blessing.
BE PREPARED
As we enter June, the beginning of hurricane season, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of preparedness, especially for the most vulnerable members of our community.
At Samuel’s House, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of women, children, and families. One of the key ways to achieve this is through proper hurricane preparedness.
Understanding the Risks Monroe County, with its unique geographical location, is highly susceptible to hurricanes. These powerful storms can cause severe flooding, property damage, and power outages. Being prepared can make a significant difference in minimizing the impact on our community. Floridians have been cautioned that the 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be an active one. While this does not mean all active storms will follow the path to Florida, it is best to be prepared just in case.
ESSTENTIAL STEPS FOR HURRICAN PREPAREDNESS
1. **Create an Emergency Supply Kit**
An emergency supply kit is a crucial component of hurricane preparedness. It should contain essential items that can sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours. According to Monroe County's guidelines, your kit should include: - Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days - Food: Non-perishable food items for at least three days - Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert - Flashlight and extra batteries - First aid kit - Medications: A seven-day supply of prescription medications - Multi-purpose tool - Sanitation and personal hygiene items - Copies of personal documents - Cell phone with chargers - Emergency contact information - Extra cash - Blankets or sleeping bags For a comprehensive list and additional details, please visit the [Monroe County Emergency Management’s website](http://www.monroecountyem.com/895/2-Create-an-Emergency-Supply-Kit).
2. **Develop a Family Emergency Plan**
Ensure every family member knows what to do in the event of a hurricane. Discuss evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a designated meeting place if separated. Practice your plan regularly.
3. **Stay Informed**
Keep abreast of weather forecasts and warnings. Sign up for emergency alerts through Monroe County’s notification system. Follow reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local news channels.
4. **Secure Your Home**
Install storm shutters or board up windows. - Secure loose outdoor items. - Trim trees and shrubs to reduce potential damage from high winds. - Review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage.
5. **Help Your Community**
Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. - Volunteer with local shelters and emergency services. - Donate supplies to local shelters and organizations aiding in disaster relief.
Special Considerations for Shelters For those residing in emergency shelters, here are some additional tips:
**Know the Location**
Identify the nearest emergency shelter and the route to get there.
**Prepare Personal Items**
Pack personal items such as identification, medications, and a change of clothes.
**Understand Shelter Policies**
Be aware of the shelter's rules, including those related to pets and medical needs.
Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility that can save lives and reduce the impact of these natural disasters. At Samuel’s House, we urge everyone in Monroe County to take these steps seriously and prepare now. By doing so, we can ensure the safety and resilience of our community during hurricane season. For more information and resources, visit the [Monroe County Emergency Management’s website](http://www.monroecountyem.com/895/2-Create-an-Emergency-Supply-Kit).
Here is a list of items included in the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, the first of which starts June 1st and runs through June 14th to help you start stocking up on these items now.
Click the link below for the Monroe County Tourist Development Council's event calendar
The mission of Samuel’s House, Inc. is to provide housing in a nurturing environment for homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families; and to provide them with care coordination beneficial to their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Samuel’s House Inc., is a registered 501 (C) (3) nonprofit serving basic needs to homeless women, women and men with children, and intact families in
Monroe County, Florida.
2. Samuel's House, Inc. Digital Flyer (pdf)
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