Lifestyles
A Bold Step Forward: The Samaritan Inn expands services to prevent homelessness and food insecurity in Collin County
By media release
Nov 8, 2025
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McKinney, Texas – In a bold and strategic move to address the rising challenges of both homelessness and food insecurity, The Samaritan Inn, Collin County’s leading homelessness services provider, today announced 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 Leader in Homelessness Response – Now Also a Force in Prevention: From Food Access to Housing Stability

The Samaritan Inn is Collin County’s largest and most comprehensive service provider for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through this integration, the organization expands its impact—becoming both a leader in crisis response and a force in prevention—delivering wrap-around services including shelter, case management, grocery store-style food pantry, emergency financial assistance, job training, and more. Samaritan Inn offers transitional housing and wrap-around services for homeless families and individuals with an 82% success rate.

This marks a major advancement in Collin County’s nonprofit infrastructure—a strategic consolidation that addresses the root causes of homelessness, especially among working families.

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 1,250,000 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.”

Continuity of Care

The food pantry will remain at its current location, 1601 N Waddill St, McKinney TX 75069. The emergency rent and utility assistance programs will operate out of The Samaritan Inn main offices.

Both organizations are among only five agencies in Collin County authorized to serve unhoused individuals through the federal Continuum of Care (CAS/HMIS) system, ensuring seamless integration of services and data.

The Samaritan Inn extends sincere gratitude to the A Better Together Fund for their strategic and financial support throughout this transition. Their guidance and investment were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.

Meeting Urgent Needs in Collin County

Despite being the second-wealthiest county in Texas, Collin County faces deep disparities and rising needs among the working poor. Skyrocketing rent and food prices, combined with limited public services, are pushing more families into crisis. According to the North Texas Food Bank, 1 in 5 Collin County families may face food insecurity by 2032, with many already struggling due to instability in SNAP benefits.

Getting Involved

This powerful integration is only possible through the continued generosity of donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community leaders.

Ways to Support

Donate: Your gifts fund food, shelter, rent assistance, and critical programs

Volunteer: Help families shop in the pantry, deliver services, or mentor residents

Partner: Corporations and civic groups can make a lasting impact through sponsorships and engagement

Join us for Homeless Awareness Week Activities from Monday, November 17th, through Saturday, November 23rd. This includes come and go tours of the Food Pantry on November 17th at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at 1601 N Waddill St, McKinney, TX 75069.

About Community Lifeline Center

For 36 years, Community Lifeline Center has provided essential services to help Collin County families avoid homelessness and regain self-sufficiency. Its grocery store-style food pantry and emergency rent and utility assistance programs are widely respected for their dignity-based approach and community impact. Upon CLC’s dissolution, Samaritan Inn is committed to continuing the important work that they started.

About The Samaritan Inn

For 40 years, The Samaritan Inn has been Collin County’s largest provider of comprehensive homelessness services, helping individuals and families regain stability, dignity, and independence. With a mission to help willing people gain dignity and independence, The Samaritan Inn offers shelter, support programs, and now expanded food and financial assistance services to help families build stable, self-sufficient lives.

Learn more or donate and volunteer today at www.saminn.org on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.