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Winston-Salem is home to many incredible non-profits that serve those in need. One of these is Samaritan Ministries, which helps care for the unhoused population in our city.
On Tuesday, July 16, Samaritan Ministries will serve its 5 millionth meal at its soup kitchen!
July 15, 2024
The History of Samaritan Ministries
In December of 1980, a meeting was held at Crisis Control Ministry to establish a soup kitchen in Winston-Salem. Within a few months, the Samaritan Ministries Soup Kitchen served its first meal in March 1981.
- The Numbers:
- Volunteers served the first meal at Samaritan Ministries, which was vegetable soup, on March 2, 1981, to 26 guests.
- Since opening, the soup kitchen hasn’t missed a day.
- The average number of guests served daily by Samaritan Ministries has grown from 92 in 1981 to 344 in 2024.
- As of July 16, 2024, Samaritan Ministries has served lunch 15,844 days in a row.
The Mission of Samaritan Ministries
Samaritan Ministries is a volunteer-based Christian ministry serving Winston-Salem and Forsyth County by providing food, shelter, and hope through Christian love. The ministry’s soup kitchen and shelter are open 365 days and nights a year.
- How it works: The soup kitchen welcomes everyone, with no limit on how often guests can come a week and no forms or explanations for why they need a meal.
- Zoom in: Aside from the soup kitchen, Samaritan Ministries operates three other ministries.
- Samaritan Inn: A shelter serving homeless men for a maximum of 90 days that includes three meals a day, showers, and a laundry room.
- Project Cornerstone: AÂ long-term residential recovery program serving men with a history of addiction who are also experiencing homelessness.
- Young Samaritans: Engages young adults in caring for the hungry and homeless population of Greater Winston-Salem through involvement at Samaritan Ministries.
The Ceremony
Mayor Allen Joines will speak at Samaritan Ministries (414 E Northwest Blvd) at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 16. The 5 millionth meal will be served when lunch starts at 11 AM.
Interested in volunteering at Samaritan Ministries or other non-profits in Winston-Salem? Check out our volunteer guide!
