Help for Today So You Can Build a Stronger Tomorrow

Support with food, bills, essentials, and other basic needs when life becomes difficult.

Financial Assistance

The Samaritan Center provides short-term emergency assistance to qualifying individuals and families in Hamilton County who are facing an unexpected financial hardship. Assistance may be available for needs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and other essential expenses following a financial evaluation.

At the Samaritan Center, we believe every person deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and dignity. During difficult seasons, our goal is not only to provide assistance, but also to walk alongside individuals and families with care, encouragement, and support throughout the process.

Care Corner

The Care Corner is the Samaritan Center’s in-house resource area where individuals and families can receive food, personal care items, cleaning supplies, household essentials, and other practical support during difficult seasons of life. Designed to feel welcoming and dignified, the Care Corner helps meet everyday needs that are often overlooked but deeply important to a family’s stability and well-being.

From pantry staples and hygiene products to comfort items and emergency essentials, the Care Corner exists to provide Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow for neighbors across our community.

Fresh Start Progam

When life changes suddenly, even basic household needs can feel overwhelming. The Fresh Start Program helps individuals and families rebuild with practical support, needed and essential items, and compassionate care during difficult seasons.

Whether recovering from hardship, transitioning into stability, or facing an unexpected crisis, we are here to help provide Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. We need to speak directly with the person who needs help. Please have them contact us via this link: I need help.

The Samaritan Center is a local nonprofit serving neighbors across Hamilton County by meeting their physical, social, and spiritual needs with dignity, compassion, and care.

We provide help with the following:

  • Financial hardship
  • Food insecurity
  • Unexpected emergencies
  • Housing and utility struggles
  • Back-to-school needs
  • Basic household shortages

We offer more than a handout, we offer a helping hand.

 

Medical equipment is available for free on our donation dock. Stop by the dock during open hours and ask about our equipment. Supply is dependent upon donations. Please do not call to find out if a specific item is available as the receptionist does not have a running list of available items.

These are most common items we have available:

  • Bedside commodes
  • Canes
  • Crutches
  • Shower chairs
  • Walkers
  • Wheelchairs

If you would like to donate to our medical equipment, please drop it off at the dock.

Dock location

  • 6017 Ooltewah-Georgetown Road

Dock hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am – 5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
  • Saturday closed
  • Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm

We love partnering with businesses, churches, schools, and community groups who want to make a difference in our community! Partners can support the Samaritan Center through donation drives, volunteer projects, sponsorships, collection barrels, special events, and more.

If you’re interested in partnering with us, please contact Wayne Brown at waynebrown@thesamaritancenter.net or call (423) 238-7777 ext. 22 to learn more about opportunities to get involved.

We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers and community partners! To learn more about volunteer opportunities, current needs, or the programs we offer, click this link Volunteer Here or call us at (423) 238-7777 ext. 20.

Our volunteer resource coordinator would be happy to help you find the best way to get involved.

If you are interested in being a community partner, contact Wayne Brown for more information: waynebrown@thesamaritancenter.net or call (423) 238-7777 ext. 22.

  • Hospital beds
  • Large entertainment centers
  • Hot tubs
  • Tanning beds
  • Water beds
  • Incomplete china cabinets (no top halves only)
  • Aerosols, chemicals, or paint
  • C-PAP machines
  • Unframed mirrors
  • Building material of any kind
  • Automobile parts (tires, batteries, etc.)
  • Guns, ammo, or explosives
  • Toilets
  • Shower doors
  • Children or infant car seats (due to recalls)
  • Cassette or 8-track tapes
  • Televisions of any kind
  • Computers
  • Damaged furniture
  • Items that are heavily stained or damaged
  • Mattresses or box springs of any size/style

Our service area includes the specific ZIP codes and communities where we can directly provide social services. Because our programs are funded through thrift store proceeds and donations, we focus support where we can make the greatest impact. We also partner with other organizations to help neighbors outside our service area, as we continue to access needs in our community.

The current service area for the Samaritan Center covers Eastern Hamilton County:

  • 37302
  • 37308 (Hamilton County)
  • 37315
  • 37336 (Hamilton County)
  • 37341
  • 37353 (Hamilton County)
  • 37363
  • 37416
  • 37421
  • 37311 (Hamilton County – starting June 15)
  • 37406 (starting June 15)
  • 37411 (starting June 15)
  • 37412 (starting June 15)

 

No.

Because of the size of our store and the constant rotation of donations, our team is unable to personally shop for specific items.

We encourage customers to visit often, as new treasures arrive throughout the day!

If you’re looking for something in particular, our staff can gladly point you toward the right department when you visit.

No.

To keep things fair for all shoppers, we’re unable to hold items or accept payments over the phone for later pickup. Our inventory changes quickly, and all items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage customers to visit often since new items arrive throughout the day!

Scheduling

  • Yes! You may schedule a furniture pickup by clicking this link: Schedule Furniture Pickup
  • Once scheduled, you will receive an email. Please check your spam folders. Within this link, you may cancel or adjust your time.

Pickup

  • We only pick up large, good-condition furniture and appliances within 20 miles of the Samaritan Center.
  • Items must be on the main level, our drivers will not go upstairs in your house to collect furniture.
  • Your appointment has a 4-hour window between 8 am and 12 pm, and between 1 pm and 4 pm. The driver will call within
  • The driver will call within the window you selected to let you know he is on his way.
  • We no longer pick up the following items:
    • Pianos
    • Hospital beds
    • Headboards & footboards
    • Bed frames
    • Mattresses
    • Sofa beds
    • Building supplies
    • Small household items

Our regular operating hours are:

    • Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm

    • Friday & Saturday: CLOSED

    • Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm

Visit our website or social media if you are not sure if the store is open for a holiday or inclement weather.

    • Clothing, linen, and shoes (men, women, and children – all seasons)

    • Household items (décor, pictures, lamps, knick-knacks)

    • Kitchen items (dishes, cookware, flatware, glasses, mugs, etc.)

    • Furniture and large or small appliances (free pickup for large working appliances and furniture)

    • Electronics (DVD/Blu-ray players, lamps, radios, etc.)

    • Outdoor items (patio furniture, flower pots, etc.)

    • Medical equipment (bedside toilets, shower chairs, crutches, wheelchairs, boots, slings, canes, etc.)

    • Toys and baby items (games, bouncer chairs, swings, dolls, dress up clothes, stuffed animals, sports equipment, etc.)

    • Books, videos, CDs, DVDs, etc.

    • New Year’s Day

    • Easter

    • Mother’s Day
    • Memorial Day

    • Father’s Day

    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving Eve
    • Thanksgiving

    • Christmas Eve

    • Christmas Day

    • New Year’s Eve

Stay updated through our Facebook page or Instagram (@thesamaritancenter) for the latest information.

Donation Dock Hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 8 am – 9 pm
  • Wednesday: 8am – 5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am – 3 pm
  • Saturday: closed
  • Sunday: 12 – 9 pm

Still have a question?

Directions to the Samaritan Center

Come visit the Samaritan Center to shop, get help, or give back.

Office and Social Services Hours

  • Monday – Thursday
    • 9 am – 5 pm

Thrift Store Hours

  • Monday – Thursday
    • 9 am – 6 pm
  • Friday & Saturday
    • CLOSED
  • Sunday
    • 1 pm – 5 pm

All offices, stores, and services are closed 

on Friday and Saturday.

Donation Dock Hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
    • 8 am – 9 pm
  • Wednesday
    • 8 am – 5 pm
  •  Friday
    • 9 am – 3 pm
  • Saturday
    • CLOSED
  • Sunday
    • 12 pm – 9 pm