HISTORY

In 1985, Key West native Elmira Leto, founder of Samuel’s House, had a calling to minister to women in jail and as they transitioned from incarceration.  In 1996, she determined there was a need to assist all women that had found themselves homeless for various reasons such as substance abuse, domestic violence, loss of employment, incarceration, mental and physical illness and other traumatic life events. Elmira retired from her decorating business and led the effort to create Samuel’s House.

Elmira founded Samuel’s House, Inc. in early August of 1999 with a conviction to provide a second chance to displaced women and women with children by providing them with shelter and other necessary emergency/short-term shelter services.  Sixteen concerned citizens took a leap of faith, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, formed a Board of Directors 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”, a 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, the Klaus Murphy Foundation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and numerous businesses and individuals who believe in the work being done to assist women, men and families in need of safe shelter.