Success Stories
Success Stories
Meet Our Success Stories
While the stories are real, names have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.
A Season of Loss. A Story of Restoration.
In March 2025, a car accident changed everything for one of our neighbors. He lost his CDL, his job, and soon after, his home...
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From the Woods to a Home
At 68 years old, Samantha deserved a home. For over a year, she lived in the woods. The pandemic had taken her job. Housing displacement took the rest...
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A Family’s Path to Home
The week of Thanksgiving, a family of three lost their home overnight. Their landlord disconnected the utilities and told them to leave...
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Meet Joseph
Joseph is 69 years old and lived on the street or in the woods for the past 7 years. After several attempts of housing, we explored different options that he could afford...
View Article
Meet Jose
When Jose* was referred to us September 2020 he had been homeless for the last 2 years. With a history of mental illness, he had been sleeping in an abandoned car and, most recently...
View Article
Meet Antonio
I first met with Antonio on August 17th. I learned he's diagnosed, paranoid schizophrenia, had just gotten out of jail, and was heavily drinking. He ended up at ORMC downtown and...
View Article
A Student’s Path to Housing
The Student Resource Connection received a call from one of the local colleges. They said they were assisting a student who was interested in enrolling to finish their degree, but...
View Article
Meet Our Success Stories
A Season of Loss. A Story of Restoration.
Nicholas Viano2026-04-27T16:59:58-04:00April 27th, 2026|
In March 2025, a car accident changed everything for one of our neighbors. He lost his CDL, his job, and soon after, his home...
From the Woods to a Home
Nicholas Viano2026-04-27T17:00:44-04:00April 27th, 2026|
At 68 years old, Samantha deserved a home. For over a year, she lived in the woods. The pandemic had taken her job. Housing displacement took the rest...
A Family’s Path to Home
Nicholas Viano2026-04-28T15:17:19-04:00January 28th, 2026|
The week of Thanksgiving, a family of three lost their home overnight. Their landlord disconnected the utilities and told them to leave...
Samaritan Resource Center and True Health Launch Street Medicine Initiative to Expand Healthcare Access for Unsheltered Neighbors
Nicholas Viano2025-12-05T12:04:41-05:00December 5th, 2025|
ORLANDO, FL – The Samaritan Resource Center (SRC), in partnership with True Health, has launched a new Street Medicine program bringing primary and preventive healthcare directly to individuals experiencing
Town Hall – 10/16/2025
Nicholas Viano2025-12-05T06:29:52-05:00December 5th, 2025|
If you weren’t able to make it to our last meeting, please watch it here for the latest updates and hear from community partners. Many thanks to our partners
We all must invest in helping the homeless (Orlando Sentinel)
Nicholas Viano2025-02-14T09:58:37-05:00February 14th, 2025|
Orange County’s new public camping ordinance bans sleeping on public grounds, leaving many homeless individuals with even fewer options. With shelter beds in short supply and challenges like mental illness,
Orlando pop-up veterinarian services for unhoused pets and owners gets visit from national founder
Nicholas Viano2024-09-04T10:25:01-04:00September 4th, 2024|
Dr. Kwane Stewart, founder of Project Street Vet, visited the Orlando chapter of his mobile veterinary clinic as part of a multi-city tour, highlighting the nonprofit's mission to provide
Orange County’s 2023-24 Budget Prioritizes Housing, Mental Health, Children’s Programs, and Public Assistance (Orange County Newsroom)
Nicholas Viano2024-09-04T10:10:29-04:00June 22nd, 2024|
Orange County’s FY 2023-24 budget focuses on Mayor Jerry L. Demings' "Four Pillars": Housing and Urban Development, Mental Health, Children-Related Programs, and Human Services/Public Assistance. Key investments include affordable
Orlando Families Evicted from Mobile Homes as Samaritan Resource Center Rushes to Provide Aid (FOX 35 News)
Nicholas Viano2024-09-04T10:10:32-04:00June 22nd, 2024|
Families in Orlando were evicted from Lake Downey Mobile Homes, leaving behind belongings and homes they paid for. Samaritan Resource Center and county officials are scrambling to find new
Zeynep Portway talks about the rising homeless population in East Orange County (Click Orlando)
Nicholas Viano2024-09-04T10:09:50-04:00June 22nd, 2024|
Discover the growing homeless crisis in East Orange County and the efforts of the Samaritan Resource Center, the only facility offering support in the area. Learn about the challenges
Project Street Vet provides free veterinary care for homeless pet owners in Central Florida (WESH 2 News)
Nicholas Viano2024-09-04T10:10:04-04:00June 22nd, 2024|
Learn how Project Street Vet provides free veterinary care to help un-housed individuals in Central Florida stay with their pets. Discover the impact of this vital service at the
Samaritan Resource Center provides food, counseling to residents (WESH 2 News)
Nicholas Viano2024-06-22T22:46:50-04:00June 22nd, 2024|
Discover how the Samaritan Resource Center in East Orlando provides crucial support for those in need through services like food, laundry, medical care, and case management. Learn
Partnership Adds Critical Mental Health Services at Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T17:25:56-04:00October 5th, 2020|
The Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) began an important partnership with Lutheran Counseling Services on October 2, one that provides SRC clients, who are experiencing homelessness...
Samaritan Resource Center Recruits Zeynep Portway for Executive Director
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T17:33:56-04:00August 5th, 2020|
The Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) board of directors announced that Zeynep Portway is the center’s new Executive Director. Portway, a workforce development professional and...
Meet Sharon And Kathy SRC’s Volunteers At The Front Desk
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T17:49:07-04:00September 5th, 2019|
Meet Sharon and Kathy SRC’s Volunteers at the front desk. They welcome our clients with A smile, kindness, and respect. The SRC is lucky to have you, ladies! Thank you for your time and dedication to the SRC!
Meet Alex, A Volunteer, Cutting Hair For One Of Our Clients
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T17:53:09-04:00September 5th, 2019|
Meet Alex, a volunteer, cutting hair for one of our clients. We need more volunteers like him to cut hair for our clients. Thank you, Alex,!
Meet Our Kind Volunteers Alice And Dianne
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T17:57:25-04:00September 5th, 2019|
We are so grateful for Alice and Dianne for their volunteer work at the SRC! Thank you for everything you do at the SRC and for being so kind to our clients. It is not easy to assist 65+ clients each day within three hours.
Meet Mary K., our volunteer hair stylist
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:01:25-04:00September 5th, 2019|
Mary K. a client and a volunteer of the SRC, cutting hair for one of our clients while making him feel comfortable. Thank you, Mary K., for helping others.
Thank you Tom And Quality Carpet Care, For Donating Your Time And Services To Clean 3 Offices And The Conference Room At SRC!
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:06:21-04:00August 5th, 2019|
Thank you, Tom and Quality Carpet Care, for donating your time and services to clean 3 offices and the conference room at SRC! Tom’s donation of Services was worth over $200! We are so grateful for such generosity.
Track Shack Donates Over 40 Pairs Of Shoes To The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:07:55-04:00July 5th, 2019|
We have great news! Shoes are an item that are desperately needed by the homeless community. Luckily, we receive over 40 pairs of shoes from the Track Shack! They have been donating shoes to the SRC since the summer of 2018.
Carmenza U. Gonzalez, Executive Director Made A Presentation To The President & CEO And Management Team Of Voxx International In Orlando.
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:11:26-04:00July 5th, 2019|
Carmenza U. Gonzalez, Executive Director made a presentation about the SRC to the President & CEO and Management Team of Voxx International in Orlando. The group donated items to the SRC and is interested in finding a way to volunteer to the SRC.
Dr. Ross, AdventHealth’s Residence Program Provided Medical Services For Our Clients At The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:13:20-04:00July 5th, 2019|
Dr. Ross, AdventHealth’s Residence Program provided medical services for our clients at the Samaritan Resource Center. We are very fortunate to be able to provide medical attention to our clients while they are getting other services at the SRC.
Jacob Donates His Birthday Donations To The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:18:18-04:00June 5th, 2019|
Jacob (pictured here with Sheila Sablain, Operations Directors, SRC) recently celebrated his birthday, and for his birthday he requested donations for Samaritan Resource Center. He brought in two checks to the SRC.
TRS Wireless, Inc., Team Visiting The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T18:23:06-04:00May 5th, 2019|
TRS Wireless, Inc., team visiting the SRC.
Operations Director, Sheila Sablain Welcomes Volunteers
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T19:54:59-04:00May 5th, 2019|
Our Operations Director, Sheila Sablain, providing information and updates to our volunteers before opening time. Thank you, Sheila and Volunteers for your time and dedication to the SRC!
AdventHealth Team Visits The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:07:08-04:00May 5th, 2019|
The SRC was proud to host a tour for a team of seen from AdventHealth to learn more about our medical needs for our clients and propose solutions. Chairman of SRC’s Board, Bill “Roto” Reuter, gave them a warm welcome to kick off the tour.
The Samaritan Resource Center Celebrates Roy’s Birthday
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:14:36-04:00May 5th, 2019|
Today we are Celebrating Roy’s birthday at the SRC. A few years back, Roy was a client of ours and later volunteered until he was hired by the SRC as the custodian. Roy is never late for work and has not missed a day of work.
Sheriff John Mina Of Orange County Visits The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:17:17-04:00April 5th, 2019|
We had the pleasure to host Sheriff John Mina of Orange County for a tour at the SRC to share with him what the SRC is doing in East Orange County helping the homeless in our community.
AdventHealth’s! CEO’s Jeff Villanueva (East Orlando) And Tim Clark (Apopka) Visited The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:24:31-04:00April 5th, 2019|
AdventHealth’s CEO’s Jeff Villanueva (East Orlando) and Tim Clark (Apopka) visited the SRC to understand our needs and explore potential partnership.
President & Publisher Of The Orlando Business Journal Visits The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:30:53-04:00April 5th, 2019|
Roto Reuter, SRC’s Chairman of the Board giving a tour to Donna Dyson (right), Market President & Publisher of the Orlando Business Journal, Cindy Barr, OBJ and Donna Wyche, Orange County (left).
Samaritan Resource Center’s Executive Director, Carmenza UI. Gonzalez, Shares Story Of The SRC With Members Of Leadership Class 96 At Rollins College
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:37:01-04:00April 5th, 2019|
The Samaritan Resource Center’s Executive Director, Carmenza UI. Gonzalez, shared the story of the SRC with several members of Leadership Class 96 at Rollins college. We are always thankful for these types of opportunities.
Boy Scouts Golden Eagle Dinner
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:40:02-04:00April 5th, 2019|
SRC’s Executive Director attending Metro Orlando Boy Scouts Golden Eagle Dinner.
Samaritan Resource Center Garden Harvest
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T20:45:32-04:00April 5th, 2019|
We are excited to share with you that David, one of our clients was able to harvest some of the zucchinis he helped planted in the SRC’s back yard. How exciting and rewarding it was for him!
Mayor Jerry Demings Of Orange County Visited The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:08:59-04:00March 5th, 2019|
Mayor Jerry Demings of Orange County visited the SRC for the first time this year! He is committed in helping the most vulnerable residents, Orange County’s homeless population.
Samaritan Resource Center Tour
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:14:10-04:00March 5th, 2019|
SRC’s Executive Director directing another tour for 13 members of the Apopka Faith Community.
A Happy Day For Two Samaritan Resource Center Clients
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:16:48-04:00March 5th, 2019|
Another happy day for SRC’s clients. First picture shows one of our clients who worked fixing the bicycle, which was given to him at the end. He is very proud of the work he did on his bicycle!
AdventHealth Community Partnerships Team Visited The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:21:19-04:00February 5th, 2019|
Samantha Olenick with Joan B. SRC (Volunteer) donating items for our clients. Another happy day at the SRC!
Vicmael Arroyo Visits Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:22:41-04:00February 5th, 2019|
Vicmael Arroyo, AdventHealth’s Faith Community Coordinator visited the SRC.
A Happy Day At The SRC
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:24:36-04:00January 5th, 2019|
A happy day at the SRC! We received five boxes of socks donated by BOMBAS! These socks are being given to our homeless through the year allowing them to walk comfortably. Thank you Bombas!
The Orlando Combined Professionals Association Group (CPAG)
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:26:24-04:00January 5th, 2019|
The Orlando Combined Professionals Association Group (CPAG) members, WID-CFL along with Martin H. Harris Chapter Air Force Association presented to the Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) with proceeds form the 2019 Defense Forum Breakfast.
Homeless Greenhouse Project
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:29:55-04:00January 5th, 2019|
The Samaritan Resource Center, Inc. (SRC) is very thankful to Lowe’s of Oviedo for the special discount given to purchase materials to build the “Homeless Greenhouse Project” led by Ed Jezisek, Board Member of the SRC.
Commissioner Gomez-Cordero Visited The Samaritan Resource Center
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:34:38-04:00January 5th, 2019|
Commissioner Gomez-Cordero (left) and guest visited the SRC again. Present John Webb, SRC Board Member and Bill “Roto” Reuter, SRC Chairman of the Board.
Meet Joseph
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T16:42:09-04:00June 9th, 2018|
Joseph is 69 years old and lived on the street or in the woods for the past 7 years. After several attempts of housing, we explored different options that he could afford...
Meet Jose
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T16:48:53-04:00June 9th, 2018|
When Jose* was referred to us September 2020 he had been homeless for the last 2 years. With a history of mental illness, he had been sleeping in an abandoned car and, most recently...
Meet Antonio
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T16:49:23-04:00June 9th, 2018|
I first met with Antonio on August 17th. I learned he's diagnosed, paranoid schizophrenia, had just gotten out of jail, and was heavily drinking. He ended up at ORMC downtown and...
A Student’s Path to Housing
Zeynep Portway2024-06-22T21:37:59-04:00June 9th, 2018|
The Student Resource Connection received a call from one of the local colleges. They said they were assisting a student who was interested in enrolling to finish their degree, but...
A little more hope in your inbox.
THREE WAYS YOU CAN FLIP THE SCRIPT ON HOMELESSNESS
FOUR WAYS YOU CAN FLIP THE SCRIPT ON HOMELESSNESS
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
DO YOU NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS HELP?
Samaritan Resource Center (SRC) is a drop-in resource center serving individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in East Orange County.
As a faith-based organization, we provide compassionate, housing-focused support through case management, mental health counseling, healthcare, employment services, street outreach, and daily access to essential resources such as meals, clothing, showers, laundry, mail services and hygiene supplies—helping our neighbors take the next step toward stability and self-sufficiency.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call (407) 482-0600 or visit us at 9837 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817 to learn more about our services.
The SRC is a faith-based volunteer operated resource center for those experiencing homelessness in East Orange County.
We are a drop-in center helping adult individuals get back on their feet through case management, mental health counseling, and basic life essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact us at 407.482.0600 to get more details.
