Local Business Spotlight: Samaritan House

This Patch article is sponsored by Samaritan House.

Local organizations are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Laura Bent, Chief Executive Officer, of Samaritan House.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your organization:
Laura Bent: Samaritan House, based in San Mateo, is one of the largest nonprofits fighting poverty in San Mateo County. We serve 32,000 people every year, offering essentials like food, shelter, medical and dental care, financial assistance, and case management to our registered clients. Many of the people we serve earn under $60,000 a year, even though it takes well over double that for a family of three to get by in this area. Beyond meeting immediate needs, we also focus on long-term stability with our programs like worker resources, financial empowerment, and our beloved holiday food and toy drives. None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers, donors and community partners. Together, we’re helping our neighbors stay housed, fed, healthy, and hopeful.

Patch: How long has your organization been active in the community?
Laura Bent: Samaritan House has been here for more than 50 years. In 1974, Dr. Cora P. Clemons founded Samaritan House in San Mateo with a simple but powerful idea, to bring essential services to the people in the community, who need them most. What began in a small two-bedroom house has grown into one of San Mateo County’s leading nonprofits, providing food, shelter, healthcare, clothing, mental health counseling, and more. Today, Samaritan House continues to honor Dr. Clemons’ vision by serving thousands of neighbors each year with compassion, dignity and community support.

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Laura Bent: I was born and raised in East Harlem NY, the youngest child of two working class parents. My father often worked two or more jobs to meet the basic needs of our family, while my mother raised my brother and I. We had all our basic needs met and never really went without; however, we were exposed to poverty as many of our neighborhood friends, often from single family households, were struggling and utilized government programs to make ends meet. My mother often volunteered at many events like food distributions, fundraisers and when possible donated to holiday programs which taught my brother and I the values of supporting our neighbors. We learned through our parents’ examples that a strong community is one where we support each other in whatever way we can as everyone is a valuable member of the community. It is from their example that I find my passion in working at Samaritan House. Helping members of our community to remain fed, clothed, healthy and housed is what inspires my work each day.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Laura Bent: The most important thing our customers need to know is that Samaritan House as an organization is and will be here to help them navigate through any difficulty they may be experiencing. I often share that we as people rely on our “village” (parents, family, friends) to help us navigate through difficult situations and for our clients we are that “village.” We are here to help without judgement, and it is important to allow us to be that trusted resource. We care, and will support each person in the way they need us with kindness and compassion.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Laura Bent: Honestly, what gets me jazzed to get out of bed in the mornings are the people. We’ve got this incredible professional team, they’re driven, passionate, compassionate and they inspire me every day to do more, to make sure they have what they need to get the job done. Then there are our volunteers, who I just love seeing every day. Some of those roles are so popular, you’ll walk in on a Tuesday morning and there’s our former board chair, happily serving as the chief butcher in the kitchen. It’s amazing to see people giving of themselves like that. And, of course, the clients. Hearing their stories firsthand and being part of connecting them with something that will truly help their families, that’s incredibly meaningful to me. Every day brings a new story, a new smile, and another reminder of why I love what I do.

Patch: How would you say your organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Laura Bent: Samaritan House distinguishes itself through its personal, community-driven approach to care. We start by listening to our clients, understanding their unique needs and challenges and then respond with comprehensive, wraparound services that address the whole person, not just the immediate crisis. From food and shelter to medical care, financial assistance, and case management, our holistic model ensures that each client receives coordinated support on their path to stability. None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, donors and community partners whose compassion and commitment are at the heart of what we do, which is Fighting Poverty and Lifting Lives.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your organization?
Laura Bent: Visit our website at samaritanhousesanmateo.org, or email us at info@samaritanhousesanmateo.org