McKinney Star: McKinney’s Samaritan Inn expands services in Collin County
In a move to address the rising challenges of both homelessness and food insecurity, The Samaritan Inn, a homelessness services provider in Collin County, announced Nov. 5 its expansion to take ownership of the food pantry and emergency assistance programs formerly owned by Community Lifeline Center.
Under this consolidation, CLC’s former homelessness prevention programs, emergency rent and utility assistance and grocery-style food pantry will continue under the stewardship of The Samaritan Inn. This will allow for a unified system of prevention and recovery — ensuring families receive support before, during and after experiencing homelessness.
“This is the bold step Collin County needs. It’s about building the right structure — not just to respond to homelessness, but to prevent it,” said Jill Scigliano, CEO of The Samaritan Inn. “We are now positioned to meet people earlier in their journey, stabilize families, and honor the dignity of every person we serve.”
The Samaritan Inn is Collin County’s largest service provider for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through this integration, the organization expands its impact, delivering wraparound services including shelter, case management, grocery store-style food pantry, emergency financial assistance, job training and more. Samaritan Inn offers transitional housing and wraparound services for homeless families and individuals with an 82% success rate.
Increasing access to food services is a critical part of The Samaritan Inn’s strategic goals, aligned with their objective to expand the Food Access Program. The organization is committed to enhancing the reach and impact of its food outreach efforts to better support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the community.
“Expanding access to programs and services — especially food access — is a central part of our long-term strategy,” said Darion Culbertson, chair of The Samaritan Inn Board of Directors. “The Samaritan Inn already distributes over 1.25 million pounds of food each year, and with this integration, we become one of the largest food and support providers in Collin County — strengthening our ability to prevent homelessness before it starts.”
This integration multiplies capacity and deepens impact to ensure a comprehensive approach to the homeless crisis in Collin County.
“This is how we build real, lasting solutions: by combining forces to heal and stabilize our neighbors,” said Rick Grady, board member for both organizations and president of the Collin County Homeless Coalition. “The Samaritan Inn and Community Lifeline Center amplify one another’s strengths.”
The food pantry will remain at its current location, 1601 N. Waddill St., in McKinney. The emergency rent and utility assistance programs will operate out of The Samaritan Inn main offices.