Good Neighbor Alliance

Do you accept clothing donations?  We are sorry to say no to this based on a lack of storage space. 

 What types of donations do you accept?  We gladly accept monetary donations which go directly to keeping the doors our Samaritan Station open.  For other needs please see our wish list under the Support Us tab.

Who do you serve in the shelter?  We provide shelter for men women and families with children.  All guests must be sober and appear not to be under the influence of illegal drugs or other substances.

How long are they allowed to stay?  Initially families are permitted to stay  for 7 nights and single adults for 4 nights.   If they appear to want transition out of homelessness they will be invited to design an Individual Case Plan (ICP) with the help of a case worker.  The ICP will contain short term as well as long term goals with milestones.  The staff of GNA helps guests keep on track and offers points of self-evaluation and redirection as needed.  The length of stay is dependent upon them keeping focused on their goals, saving and budgeting their income, and they must maintain a good attitude and be in compliance with all shelter rules.

Is the shelter safe?  Yes!  Most of the guests that we serve are glad to be here as respite from their situation.  We find that many of our male guests carry pocket knives and they give them to staff for safekeeping.  We have found that if you treat people with respect they respond in kind.

How do the homeless find Good Neighbor Alliance?  GNA works with many community agencies that serve homeless and low income individuals and families.  We get referrals from St. Vincent De Paul Society, Salvation Army, Sierra Vista Public Schools, Tombstone School District or Southeast Arizona Behavioral Health Services just to name a few.  Guests have told us they found GNA on-line or in the phonebook or have heard through a friend, family member or a local church.    GNA with the help of the City of Sierra and the Arizona Department of Veterans Services, and local churches periodically does outreaches to our homeless neighbors in the deserts and washes.    

 How is Good Neighbor Alliance funded?  GNA exists entirely on grants, donations from individuals, churches, social and service clubs, and in a small part by the United Way of Cochise County and Department of Economic Security.  GNA is a local faith and community based organization with no ties to any national organization.  GNA is NOT owned or operated by the City of Sierra Vista or Cochise County.  GNA is truly a labor of love in our community.

 Is working in a homeless shelter depressing?  On the contrary!!  Providing shelter and a safe place to be is uplifting.  All guests are treated with respect and guests usually respond in kind.  We have had many guests who have transitioned out of homelessness have returned to give thanks!