*Samaritan is offering a new approach to homelessness, providing a pathway to stability through both financial aid and relational support.
By fostering dignity and security, Samaritan empowers individuals to overcome the hardships of poverty and homelessness with the guidance and assistance they need to move toward stable housing. Through the Samaritan app, users can provide tangible support to those in need, giving not just money but encouragement, advice, and the sense that someone genuinely cares.
As one recipient shared, “When I got my first gift from a Samaritan, I was in the library crying at the thought that someone out there cares about me.”
This simple but profound gesture of kindness can be life-changing for those who feel invisible or forgotten in their struggles.
For many individuals facing homelessness, they are often overlooked because of common concerns: “I don’t have cash,” or “I’m not sure if they’ll use it for real needs.” Samaritan eliminates these uncertainties by offering a clear and impactful way to help. The platform ensures that financial contributions are directed to real needs, such as food, medical bills, and other essentials.
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The app allows users to send $25 gifts for immediate needs, invite someone to coffee for a supportive conversation, or even send a message of encouragement to help maintain accountability.
Currently, Samaritan is serving members in Seattle, Oklahoma City, and Orange County, with the goal of expanding to 100+ communities by 2025. Where the app is active, donations go directly to individuals listed as “Samaritan Members,” people experiencing homelessness who are seeking a path out of their current situation. For cities where the app isn’t yet available, donors can contribute to the Action Fund, which supports emergency needs such as bus fare, cellphone plans, clothing for job interviews, and other critical resources.
Samaritan founder Jonathan Kumar believes the app’s personalized approach is helping to reshape the way people view homelessness.
“By having the app on your phone and simply walking by, biking by, or driving by a beacon holder, you’ll receive a simple notification that shows you a bit of their story,” Kumar explained in a FAQ post.
“When we learn people’s stories, it’s alot harder to walk by them,” a Kumar told Stand Together. “It’s a lot harder to ignore the small things you can do to help.”
He added, “Just providing direct resources to folks is more effective sometimes, than investing in big government programs.”
All donations are fully directed toward addressing emergency and strategic needs of members, such as bus fare, cellphone plans, tools, job interview clothing, and other essential support.
“The words of encouragement, the needs that get met by…people in your community can mean the world for someone and empower them to persevere,” Kumar said.
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