Andrews – Southern Samaritans celebrated becoming members of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 9. However, they have been working to make a difference in the community since April 2025.
That’s when Southern Samaritans first began taking on repair and improvement projects to help those in need. They soon realized the needs in the community were much greater than anticipated, so in August 2025, they opened up the Southern Samaritans thrift store and formed a nonprofit to generate money to be used to fund the repair and improvement projects.
“Initially, we were doing this on the side, but we quickly realized this was something we could do full time if we could get the funding,” said Curtis Orr, president of Southern Samaritans.
Over the last eight months, the nonprofit has helped build fences, repair roofs, clean up properties and performed other necessary home projects local residents are unable to afford. They even helped a man get home to Texas and a single mom and her child escape a domestic violence situation to start over in Michigan.
“We stepped a bit out of our lane, but we just wanted to help in any way that we were able,” Orr said. They’ve been able to provide aid to nearly 50 people so far.
Each project that is brought to Southern Samaritans is voted on by a board for approval, but their cause requires a significant amount of funding.
“Supplies aren’t cheap. We’re happy to do the labor, but we need to secure funding for supplies,” said Jacen Carver, treasurer of Southern Samaritans. “We’re working on securing grants, but are always appreciative of donations and have all kinds of stuff here at the thrift store as ways for the local community to help support the repairs and improvements.”
Those who are in need of help from Southern Samaritans can submit requests by giving them a call, messaging on Facebook or talking with board members and laborers at the thrift store.
“We wish we could help everyone immediately, and we always do the best we can with what we’ve got,” Orr said. “We want to provide quality service while helping the community.”
All of the work that goes into each repair and the time spent establishing the thrift store have been worth it for Southern Samaritans.
“We just want to be able to help. We’re in a position and surrounded by people with the skills to do so. When you’re not looking to gain from it, knowing that you’ve helped a member of your community is enough,” Carver said.
Over the next year, their main goal is to grow and expand their nonprofit.
“We just want to get the funding needed to help more people,” Carver said. “We know the need is there and the projects are waiting, but we need more funds and more volunteers.”
The community can help to support Southern Samaritans by volunteering, shopping at the thrift store, making donations and helping spread the word that they are here for the community.
“It’s not about us being able to help everyone. We just want to see people being helped regardless of who is providing that help,” Carver said.
“We want to see a difference being made in our community.”
Details: Contact Southern Samaritans on Facebook, call 828-735-2124 or email SouthernSamaritans@gmail.com.