My Visit with Samaritan House VA
When I moved to Virginia Beach in August 2025, I knew right away that I would get involved in the local nonprofit scene. Subjects like female empowerment, social justice, and trauma-informed care translate to causes that pique my interest. Suffice it to say, when I heard Samaritan House was hosting their 11th Annual Women Against Violence Luncheon at Westin Town Center, I made immediate plans to attend. At the October luncheon, Keynote Speaker Leslie Morgan Steiner shared her powerful journey from victim to survivor of domestic violence. She tells her touching story in her book Crazy Love.
Making Connections
Thanks to a colleague, I connected with the Samaritan House Executive Director Robin Gauthier just a few weeks later. Robin exuded passion as she shared the organization’s history and how it continues to serve people in Virginia Beach and the region of Hampton Roads since starting in the 1980s.
Launching as an ecumenical organization to serve the homeless, Samaritan House quickly expanded their services to caring for those impacted by domestic violence. Robin explained to me that the expansion coincided with the recognition that 80% of those coming in as homeless were homeless due to domestic violence.
History
Over the last decade, Samaritan House has further expanded their services to help victims of human trafficking and sexual violence. This includes women, men, and children from all walks of life.
Today, Samaritan House supplies emergency housing, rental assistance, case management, victim advocacy, children’s programs, and community education.
The Hallows
Founded in 2024, The Hallows provides a safe harbor for minor victims of sex and human trafficking. Licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health, The Hallows is the only licensed and secure residential facility in Coastal Virginia serving children. The property allows minors to gain a safe place to recover, grow, and live.
Tour
Recently, Robin took me on a tour to give me a behind-the-scenes view of Samaritan House. I listened as a case manager shared her hope-filled approach to offering her clients positive affirmations and truth-backed encouragement. Others echoed her sentiments and sincere commitment to empowering people by watching them move from surviving to thriving.
Services
Samaritan House’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline serves as the front door to services. Staff and volunteers engage with individuals facing violence, guide them through processes to leave their abusers, and complete a thorough intake. Once a connection is established, the Samaritan House takes a trauma-informed approach to walking alongside each unique person.
Needs
Many victims of domestic violence and trafficking need resources that supply them with a fresh start. Sometimes victims leave home with just the clothes on their backs. This is where Samaritan House’s food pantry, clothing boutique, and textile supply closet meet significant needs with the public’s help.
New household goods, personal care items, shelf-stable foods, and gently used clothes are accepted at the on-property donation center. Urgent needs this December 2025 include winter coats (while it’s still cold out!) and new sets of silverware. You can learn more about immediate needs this winter by visiting Home for the Holidays.
Involvement
There are numerous opportunities to get involved.
- Volunteer: Volunteer for a shift with the 24-hour crisis hotline, help sort and organize donations, supply transportation, etc.
- In-Kind Gifts: Gift new and gently used winter coats and jackets by dropping items off Monday-Friday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
- Financial Support: Share your financial resources by making an online gift.
- Partnerships: If you own a local business, please check out event sponsorship opportunities. One uniquely exciting opportunity is to advertise your business via commercial during their annual televised event on WKTR 3.
Personally, I will be supporting this organization by offering up my professional experience in nonprofit development. Will you join me in standing alongside our community and empowering our neighbors?
Learn more about Samaritan House at their website samaritanhouseva.org.
Anna Schatz is an experienced professional and seminary-trained speaker living in VA Beach. When she is not figuring out her kids’ next snack or looking up another way to make chicken, she is typically meeting up a friend for coffee or taking her Labradoodle on a walk. She is booking speaking engagements and consulting collaborations for 2026. Shoot her a DM on Instagram @annamschatz or email her at amschatz [at] outlook [dot] com to inquire.
