Samaritan House South - East Palo Alto, California

Amanda C.

Situation was complex (to be graceful) but they ultimately gave my ADDRESS to my adult friend’s abuser despite me providing less personal information (eg a working number, my community/spelling out programs i am connected to).

I was in communication with the family while ensuring my friend’s safety/trying to get her to temporarily move in with her family that was in a less dangerous situation throughout the process, but out of fear, rather than verify my personal information or call me, they put us both at risk without knowing the full situation. (Though they were told it was DV.)

She’s completely safe now at a long-term shelter and I don’t regret helping (she was hitchhiking and desperate to leave— scary combination), but now I anxiously wait every day for someone to show up at my home. I hope nothing happens. Samaritan house, that’s actually how people get killed or hurt. Hope you learn from this and act less rashly next time. I understood why you shared my number, but you could have kept my ADDRESS private.

The workers mean well, but I suggest being more reserved at this location because there’s not really any protocol it seems or attempts at communication when situations are complex. And if they know the person harming you (even if you are an adult) they may be more inclined to share inappropriate information with them before investigating what is going on (which is ABSOLUTELY necessary in DV cases).

If anything happens it’s because these people shared this highly personal information, regardless of intention.

Dulce R.

I want to express my gratitude for the assistance I obtained from Geovanny Rivera. He was really helpful with getting my papers processed so that I could get financial assistance. Originally, he told me he would give me an answer two days later, however, it took him a bit longer. When he did call me I did not answer because I did not recognize the number. I did try contacting the officer, but they never answered. I do not recommend calling the local office since they get a high volume of calls. My recommendation is to go in person. After I went in person another social worker contacted him. We were able to connect and we maintained communication. Until my application for financial assistance was approved. Once I got the approval I had to submit another form that the organization needed for their taxation. After that was processed something occurred with the payment format. I appreciate Geovanny's assistance with processing that error since it was something I had failed to acknowledge. Overall my experience with the Samaritan House South was great! The process to apply was like any other financial aid process. It can be a lot of paperwork. However, they are there to help out. There is a process of approval, and it requires patience. I recommend that you stick to it and make sure you submit any paperwork they tell you promptly. The sooner the better that way the more prompt. It is not a fast service, so please be patient. They are human too and are not machines. They also need approval from their supervisors to be able to move forward. Please be kind to the staff as they are there to help us out by helping us obtain financial assistance. In the past, they have gotten bad reviews. Yet, my experience with them was nothing like the bad reviews. I would highly recommend anyone in need of financial assistance. As well as make sure you have a good communication level with the social workers.

Shannon

I wanted to write a note of acnowledgement for the Good Samaritan House in Palo Alto. The paperwork and application for support is arduous but I was contacted by a team member there and he graciously walked me through the process and informed me what I was missing with my application. We did some back and forth and I really feel he championed me in the application process. Also, when visiting in person everyone was kind and supportive. Thanks Good Samaritan of Palo Alto and especially Geovanny!

Lynnette L.

I little brief description of my experience with Sameritan House and with professional gentleman named Geovanny Rivera. I went from working full-time and working out six days a week to becoming very ill. It has been a very scary journey, several days of test doctor’s appointments. Independent research to attempt to figure out what was wrong with me. This tells you a little bit about how stressful things have been. Financial stresses were at an all time high. In the process of going to the Sameritan House to ask for assistance for rent I explained my situation to Mr. Rivera and he was very compassionate about my situation and expressed that he would do whatever he could to help me during this time. He should be recognized for his professional approach and gaining resources to assist me in my time of need. I am so impressed with my experience with Sameritan House. Thank you for helping our community.

Araceli T.

This place it terrible. Why have a place like this for the community to come for help in desperate times if they don’t care to help. This place needs to hire a whole new staff that are actually caring, empathetic, and sympathetic of the community. Service is the worst no one ever picks up the phone. I finally went in and spoke to someone and only the male employee tried to help until he blocked my number after calling for an update on my application. People go here for help because unfortunately it’s the last resort and the people working there don’t care.

Eagle E. C.

I’ve been out of work due to Covid and am barely holding on. Rely on Samaritan House for the food donations and occasional help with gas money. Last week I had the unfortunate timing of working with Ruby.

Look, I’m not perfect but how I was treated was even more undignified than having to ask for help. Please, Lord, let us work with someone other than she.

Nataly S.

I had a good experience with this company. Geovanny was very helpful with helping me settle into my new place! Accommodated to my needs, just overall very helpful!

Jonathan R.

They are not the best helping out people, my auntie brought their paper to get Rent assistance and after 1 month everytime we call them only thing they say we are missing paper. They are not here to help and give the assistance even they have the funds to help the people, i will think that are just helping their known people, others fundraising are immediately helping with not doubting.