In a recent meeting, the Garland City Council unanimously voted to lease the current Walnut Creek Library building to Good Samaritans of Garland when the new library facility is complete. The vote also included buying Good Sam’s facility in downtown Garland.
At the meeting, Becky King, Garland’s Managing Director, Community and Neighborhood Development, described Good Sam as a vital part of the community because they serve the food insecure.
“There is a growing need for their services, and they are outgrowing their current location,” she said.
The property at 210/214 North Twelfth Street is owned and operated by Good Sam, and the City Council recently voted unanimously to purchase the property and lease the current Walnut Creek Library building to Good Sam. The new Walnut Creek Branch Library will be completed during the first quarter of 2025 making the current facility available to Good Sam.
After the purchase of the Good Sam property by the city, the nonprofit will lease it back from the city until the library facility is available.
The lots that currently belong to Good Samaritans of Garland will become home to two single family homes when the property is vacated.
“We are so excited to partner with the city as we move and grow so we can better serve our community. Thank you, City Council and the city of Garland,” Good Sam’s Executive Director Sara Kenefake shared on social media.
Please note: Good Sam of Garland needs volunteers!
About Good Sam: Good Samaritans of Garland, known locally as “Good Sam,” was formed in 1983 from an alliance of several Garland faith communities with the intent to provide a broad range of services, centrally located for neighbors in need of assistance. In 2016, the board of directors elected to narrow Good Sam’s focus to providing supplemental food assistance to our hungry and food-insecure neighbors living in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse.
Today, we are providing nutritious food to anyone needing food with no residency or income eligibility requirements.
Through our partnership with North Texas Food Bank, local retail partners and donations from the community, we are able to provide supplemental food assistance to families and individuals.
Our guests receiving food may be a one-time emergency situation, temporary need or an on-going need as result of disability, injury/illness, job loss or simply not enough money to cover bills. Providing supplemental food assistance is extremely valuable in helping families and individuals move forward through a difficult time, short or long term.
In February, the nonprofit served:
5,363 Households
3,878 New Households
17,320 Individuals
5,538 Children; 9,630 Adults; 2,151 Seniors
12,620 New Individuals
170,767 Meals Provided
162 Unhoused Served
191 Food Bags Provided