HISTORY
In 1985, Elmira Leto, Founder of Samuel’s House, had a calling to minister to women in jail. IN 1996 Elmira decided that a center was needed for women in need. Elmira retired from her decorating business and led the effort to create Samuel’s House.
On August 9, 1999, Samuel’s House, Inc. was established with conviction and a second chance to provide the needed and necessary services of an emergency/short-term shelter for women and women with children. Sixteen concerned citizens took a leap of faith, formed a Board, incorporated as a 501©(3) non-profit and opened the doors of the current Samuel’s House/Mary Spottswood Women’s Center on October 1, 1999.
Mary Spottswood known as “Miss Mary” pillar of the community and Samuel’s House role model, was comfortable with people from all walks of life. Her giving ways and caring nature made everyone feel loved, special and important.
Samuel’s House is an active member of the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, Inc. and is the recipient of funding from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners, HUD and numerous businesses and individual who believe in the work being done to assist women in need of safe shelter.
