Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Samaritans help folks all over Fayette

The Fayette Samaritans have a little breathing room thanks to Wayne Leslie of Leslie Contracting, who has been allowing the group to operate out of one of his office buildings. Leslie had agreed to let the charitable group use some office space in one of his buildings for a year after they lost their previous space. They agreed to vacate when he was ready to renovate.

The Samaritans have been actively searching for a permanent home. Unfortunately, with the deadline of Sept. 30 looming, they have thus far been unsuccessful. However, Leslie has volunteered to allow the group to stay in their temporary home until they find a new one.

The Samaritans are hoping to locate approximately 5,000 square feet to allow a little breathing room. They are willing to settle for less. The Samaritans' bylaws prohibit them from using any of the funds from churches for anything other than the needy. Thus they must raise money from other sources to pay for utilities, rent, office supplies and other needs.

"If everyone in Fayette County would contribute just $10 each, we could purchase a permanent facility," said board member and volunteer Lena Slaughter.

Slaughter shared that less than 1 percent of their funds are used for operating expenses. Compared to most charities, an amazingly low percentage. One of the reasons for the low operating expense is that there are no paid employees. Everyone, from the accountant to the president, donates their time.

Slaughter estimates that they see around 1,000 separate families a year. Prior to Sept.r 11, they averaged 5 - 7 families a day. They are currently averaging 11 - 15 a day. "We used to think we were having a busy day when we saw six families in a day," said Slaughter.

Some visit the Samaritans' food bank or clothes closet on a monthly basis, while others come in only once a year. Many older Fayette County residents who do are unable to pay for their medicine depend on the helping hand of the Fayette Samaritans.

The Samaritans are not allowed, by charter, to assist anyone who does not live in Fayette County. They will refer those from outside the county to other agencies, and sometimes must refer those inside the county to others. The Samaritans is designed to be an emergency or short-term help for those in hardship.

The Samaritans can only help an individual or family once a year financially. They will pay a rent bill or utility bill in any given year if proof is provided that the electricity or water will be cut off, or the individual or family is in danger of being kicked out of their home if the bill is not paid. The volunteers verify all information, contacting landlords, doctors and utility companies. They do not deal with cash, using a voucher system.

They have arrangements with a hotel in Peachtree City to "put people up until relatives or friends can get them," according to Slaughter.

While the Samaritans are primarily supported by over 40 area churches, they rely on other generous assistance to keep going. They receive a grant from Coweta-Fayette EMC and the United Way. The Boy Scouts chip in on a regular basis. Publix donates day-old bread, the Braelinn Kroger gives them a steep discount on meat purchases and the Fayette County and Riverdale Pizza Huts give them items. They also receive donations of money, food and clothing from individuals in the county.

Once a week one of the volunteers makes a run to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to pick up whatever is available. This past week they were able to stock up on canned goods at a penny an ounce. Other times they are unable to find anything that is needed.

Currently the Samaritans are at 213 Jeff Davis, at the back of the office group near the International House of Pancakes. They are open 5 days a week from 9 a.m.-noon. Monetary donations may be mailed to P. O. Box 1071, Fayetteville, 30214.

Volunteers

Volunteers at the Fayette Samaritans come from all walks of life. Most are retired, but not all. Many heard about the charity from their church, others from friends or the newspaper.

There are more than 40 who volunteer on a regular basis to help out with the food pantry, interviewing clients, the clothes closet or other areas. A local CPA has handled all accounting needs since the Samaritans formed over ten years ago.

Some volunteer once a month, others once or twice a week. All have one thing in common: they feel good about what they're doing.

The Fayette Samaritans was formed by area churches to consolidate and enhance their abilities to help the needy. While many were truly in need, some took advantage of the churches, going from one church to the next getting duplicate assistance. When the church secretaries began comparing notes, they decided to do something. They wanted to be able to help those genuinely in need. They opted to form the Fayette Samaritans, patterned after a similar successful group in Clayton County.

Ten years later the need for their services has grown.

The Fayette Samaritans is open Monday - Friday for 3 hours each day. However, some volunteers come in early, stay late and work Saturdays as needed. Some have been volunteering for ten years, others for varying lengths of time. They are always in need of volunteers.

Most volunteers gravitate to one area. The food pantry needs tweaking on a daily basis. Food must be stocked, groceries purchased and supplies given to those in need. There are always clothes to be unpacked and hung-up.

The group is not computerized, so most of the interviewing and record-keeping is done the old fashioned way with pen and paper. Each person or family who comes through the door is interviewed. They must bring a valid ID, proof that they live in the county and a social security card or birth certificate.

After a determination is made as to the needs of the family, they may be given food, diapers for babies, clothing or school supplies. If they are in need of temporary shelter, they may be given a room in a Peachtree City hotel, or referred to another agency.

Record-keeping is extremely important. There are some who would challenge the system. Someone who comes in on a regular basis may be encouraged to sign up for food stamps. Some are referred to agencies that provide longer-term assistance.

Those who try to circumvent the rules or are untruthful may find that they are turned away. Slaughter tells of two individuals who slipped through the system. One of the Samaritan volunteers believed what she was told and didn't catch the fact that they had received financial help within the year until after vouchers had been issued. The companies receiving the vouchers received a call telling them not to honor them, and the individuals who were untruthful were informed.

"We are accountable; it's not our money," said Slaughter.

The Samaritans are an extremely responsible group. They will bend over backward to help those truly in need, but have strict guidelines they follow closely when someone tries to use the system.

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