Balay Samaritano

The Balay Samaritano (meaning “House of the Good  Sama-ritan”) is located at Mabini St., Cebu City. 

This was started with the initiative of the SVD on September 8, 2009 and supported by at least 10 local donors/ benefactors; 23 private individual volunteers; 5 SSpS Pre-novices; 4 SVD Brother Associates; Students and Faculty members from 3 local Universities namely: University of San Carlos; Cebu Technological University & Cebu Normal University. 

Primarily Balay Samaritano was established as a drop-in center  for elderly street dwellers and street children in particular rugby boys so that they be given support in their daily struggle for survival and a holistic human development by first addressing basic human needs. In the process, it aims to provide a “homelike” atmosphere to the clientele. The center’s basic service is provision of food, a place to rest for the day where they can do their laundry and bath. 

As of December 2010, there were 68 street elders ( 60 years old and above) and 115 street children ( 5 – 14 years old) who were already being provided with the different programs and services of the Balay Samaritano.  All of these clients have been staying on the streets for some years because of poverty and other social inadequacies. 

The Balay Samaritano also provides avenue for spiritual enhancement activities, medical consultations and provision of medicines in coordination with the German Doctors; friends of Fr. Heinz and other SVD priests and Brothers.  More social interaction with each other and some donors/benefactors are conducted during socio-cultural activities, outings, etc.

Mobile feeding is one activity provided to those needy people who are on the streets but can not go to the center regularly.  Feeding is done twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday.  At least 30 packs have to distributed to qualified clients every schedule. The mobile feeding is in coordination also with the women clients of Welcome House, an RGS run-center for the prostituted women.

Case Management is provided to all clients so as to explore possibilities for a better and enriched life. Referral of at least 2 elderly cases and at least 3 street children who need long term services highlighted this activity.  In line with this, NGOs like Gasa Sa Gugma, Missionaries of the Poor and Hospicio de San Jose were tapped for the elderly while Community Scouts and Parian Drop In Center for the street children. 

Be a part of this virtuous circle that the Balay Samaritano represents. Offer your time, resources, yourself for the poor.

Call us at telephone number 254-3063.