Transforming Our Community Together

Emergency Shelter in Jackson Hole

Our Story

Over A Half Century Legacy of Compassion: The Good Samaritan Mission is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to serving the diverse needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—of the hungry, hurting, and homeless in Teton County, Wyoming. We are committed to fostering an environment that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of people in need. We believe in God’s transformative power of community support and collaboration. We aspire to build a future where every member of our community experiences compassion, resilience, and the opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.

Executive Leadership

Local Leadership, Lasting Impact: The Good Samaritan Mission is dedicated to becoming a leading force in the non-profit sector, with a focused goal of uplifting the community we serve.

Meet Our CEO

Meet Our COO

Wayne G Richardson

Wayne brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising to the Good Samaritan Mission. Previously, he played key roles in organizations such as Retrieving Freedom Inc. and South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary.

During his tenure as CEO and Board Director at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Wayne spearheaded a $53M Campus Renovation Campaign, significantly expanding services to aid over 1,000 homeless individuals daily in San Joaquin County, California. His efforts led to the creation of one of the largest drug & alcohol regeneration long-term programs for homeless women with children in the country.

Wayne’s diverse background includes leadership positions at esteemed organizations such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Operation Blessing International, and the United States Military Academy’s West Point Association of Graduates. He is also a sought-after national seminar speaker, focusing on nonprofit board and senior leadership fundraising training.

In addition to his impressive professional accomplishments, Wayne served his country for 23 years in the Army and commanding multiple Army Engineer units. He holds a degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), an ordained minister, and a graduate of the Stockton Police Chaplain’s Academy. Wayne is an Eagle Scout.

Wayne’s dedication to service extends to his personal life, where he and his wife Carol, a seasoned nonprofit executive, have raised three adult children and are proud grandparents of three grandchildren.

meet our COO

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, his early years were marked by frequent moves due to being in a military family. At just 17, he joined the United States Marine Corps through the delayed entry program. Following intense training and various combat-related schools, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, as part of a special operations unit. With numerous deployments abroad, he earned multiple meritorious promotions, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant. After being wounded multiple times in Iraq and Afghanistan and receiving two Purple Hearts, his military career came to an end, leading to years of struggling with PTSD and post-concussive syndrome. However, Patrick states, “My life took a positive turn when I arrived at the Good Samaritan Mission in Jackson, Wyoming; surrendering myself to God, and I gradually rebuilt my life.”

Patrick started at the Mission as a shelter client, was offered employment, eventually rose through the ranks as Kitchen Manager, Program Manager, Men’s Program Director, and on November 1, 2023, was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Patrick loves his work because he loves “investing in people and finding purpose in helping others.” He goes on to state, “This truly makes me the richest man alive.”

Good Samaritan Mission is blessed to have Patrick’s leadership and salutes his military service and sacrifice so that we can all enjoy Freedom every day here in America.

Our Mission

To show God’s love by providing shelter, food, clothing, and Hope to the less fortunate of Teton County, Wyoming.

Our Mission

New Leadership

See how we are embracing new leadership and vision for community service with an already proactive approach for positive change. The Good Samaritan Mission is taking meaningful action to transform lives in Teton County, Wyoming.

Faithful Service

As an integral part of the Jackson Hole Community, our mission originated in 1968, inspired by the Holy Spirit to aid the less fortunate. The Good Samaritan Mission is guided by a diverse Board of Directors, united by a shared desire to serve God.

We address Teton County’s unique needs without imposing faith-related conditions on those seeking assistance.

GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION (GSM) PROGRAMS

Our mission goes beyond shelter—we offer comprehensive programs to empower individuals toward self-sufficiency through a comprehensive range of programs designed to address the diverse needs of individuals in Teton County:

emergency shelter
Rehousing travel program
Community outreach
Rehousing program
Nonprofit training free
Disaster pandemic relief

Emergency Shelter

Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan

GSM provides a two-week emergency shelter for both men and women. With a commitment to accessibility, this shelter is offered at no cost and includes daily provisions of bed, breakfast, and dinner. Employment opportunities are facilitated within 72 hours, and participants engage in a Food and Clothing Program. Case Management guides individuals towards job acquisition, immediate rehousing, or progression to Rehousing Program Phase 1. The program operates on a one-tenure basis, with eligibility for the Rehousing Travel Program after one week. Participants also contribute four hours per week to GSM Community Service.

  • Two Weeks Men and Women.
  • $0 for a bed, breakfast, and dinner daily.
  • Work towards the goal of employment within 72 hours.
  • Food and Clothing Program (See Community Outreach Tab).
  • Case Management towards job acquisition, immediate rehousing, or Rehousing Program Phase 1.
  • One tenure only (No annual or seasonal return).
  • Rehousing Travel Program eligible (See Rehousing Travel Tab).
  • After 1 week, 4 hours per week GSM Community Service. Community Service might include but are not limited to:  campus cleaning, kitchen duty, laundry, Clothing Room work, Food Pantry work, maintenance, weekend or evening security shift duty, special projects, and Teton County Community service.

Rehousing Travel Program

Luke 15 – The Prodigal Son

  • Bus or plane ticket out of Teton County to return a GSM client to a family support network and/or job and affordable housing.
  • Bus or plane ticket to Wyoming Rescue Mission (Casper, WY), Gospel Center Rescue Mission (Stockton, CA), Faith Farm Ministries (3 campuses in Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Okeechobee, FL) or another free program, primarily as a free solution for long-term homelessness or for addiction programs.
  • Subject to funds available and GSM approval based on client needs/and or cooperation.

Community Outreach

Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan

  • Free Food Pantry.
  • Free Clothing Closet.
  • Free Breakfast and Dinner.
  • Walk-in Showers = $5 – $10 based on income.

Rehousing Program

Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan

  • Phase 1 Extended Shelter
    • 2 weeks to 6 months after Emergency Shelter.
    • Subject to signing a Phase 1 application (rules and responsibilities) and being approved by GSM.
    • Case Management working towards rehousing.
    • Program fee on a sliding income scale from $0 – $50 per night for bed, breakfast, and dinner daily.
    • 4 hours per week GSM “Community Service.”
    • Eligible for Rehousing Travel Program at any time.
    • Monthly bed assignment change to enforce non-permanency.
    • One tenure only (No annual or seasonal return from established housing).
  • Phase 2 Extended Shelter
    • 6 to 12 months after Phase 1.
    • Subject to signing a Phase 2 application (rules and responsibilities) and being approved by GSM.
    • Case Management towards rehousing or transition out of Teton County.
    • Program fee on a sliding scale from $0 – $50 per night.
    • 8 hours per week Community Service.
    • New Testament weekly evening class at GSM or weekly Church attendance, or 2 hours additional Community Service.
    • Eligible for Rehousing Travel Program.
    • Monthly bed assignment change to enforce non-permanency.
    • One tenure only (No annual or seasonal return from established housing).
  • Phase 3 Extended Shelter
    • 12 months to 24 months after Phase 2.
    • Subject to signing a Phase 3 application (rules and responsibilities) and being approved by GSM.
    • Space available only and Phase can end with a 72-hour notice by an incoming Emergency Shelter client who has bed priority.
    • Case Management towards rehousing or transition out of Teton County.
    • Program fee on a sliding scale from $0 – $50 per night.
    • 8 hours per week of Community Service.
    • New Testament weekly evening class at GSM or weekly Church attendance or two hours of additional Community Service.
    • Monthly bed assignment change to enforce non-permanency.
    • One tenure only (No annual or seasonal return from established housing).

Nonprofit Training (Free)

Mathew 28 – The Great Commission

  • Sharing any proprietary information (other than confidential) to any nonprofit upon request.
  • Onsight mentoring by GSM staff to other nonprofit staff in the same staff assignment.
  • Fundraising training to nonprofit Board and senior leadership via national seminars.
  • GSM’s goal is to be a model nonprofit partner and by this program inspire other nonprofits to freely assist other nonprofits.

Disaster /Pandemic Relief

Luke 10 – The Good Samaritan

Should an earthquake, fire, flood, or other natural disaster, pandemic, or terrorism event occur in Teton County, the Good Samaritan Mission can accommodate – for several months – up to 27 additional people (via cots) providing them with lodging, food, and clothing. When the people return to their homes, the Mission can further assist with food via our Food Pantry. This program is in addition to our current overnight Emergency Lodge and program for 43 men and women and 4 on-site staff.


WAYS TO GIVE – HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families. Together, we can provide shelter, support, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Credit card check

Credit Card
/Check

An easy, secure, tax-deductible way to give! Just click!

Donor advised unds

Donor-Advised
Funds

See funding opportunities below!

Stock gifts wire transfers

Stock Gifts
/Wire Transfers

Bank of Jackson Hole Trust & Wealth Partners is our agent 307-732-3058.

Planned giving

Planned
Giving

Remember us as a Beneficiary in your Will, Trust, Annuity, or Life Insurance.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency

 Please exchange via any broker and direct the funds to us for tax credit.

Corporate giving

Corporate
Giving

Long & Short Term Partnerships, 307-733-3165

IRA charitable rollover

IRA Charitable
Rollover

Bank of Jackson Hole Trust & Wealth Partners is our agent 307-732-3058.

Intern at gsm

Intern at
GSM

Call us for High School and College unpaid opportunities 307-733-3165.

Donate items

Donate
Items

In-season, clean, and serviceable clothing & unopened food.

Request a speaker

Request
A Speaker

CEO & Staff available anytime with advance notice 307-733-3165.

Pray for gsm

Pray For
GSM

Always & Thank you!

Volunteer

Volunteer

Call us for opportunities at 307-733-3165.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

To view full full details about a GSM Program or Project, click on any of the 1-page summaries below.

View 501c3 Documentation

Your Gifts At Work

At Good Samaritan Mission, we have a distinctive strategy when it comes to fundraising. Unlike numerous organizations that employ dedicated staff members or engage fundraising consultants, we have established an alternative approach.

Our fundraising initiatives are steered by a committee, receiving valuable support from our Board members and benefiting from our in-house fundraising expertise. We have phased out the use of external fundraising consultants, as we are proud to have cultivated our own robust fundraising capabilities within the organization. As a result of this strategic shift, our fundraising costs are remarkably lower than the national average of 20 cents on the dollar; we expend merely 14 cents to raise each dollar.

This cost-effective and efficient model ensures that the contributions we receive are channeled directly towards advancing our mission of serving and supporting the local community.

14¢ Fundraising

86¢ Programs

STAY IN TOUCH – SIGN-UP & RECEIVE

Heartwarming Stories, News & Updates

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    A Word From Our Sponsor

    Intersection Online – A Creative Design & Marketing Firm

    We’re honored to collaborate with The Good Samaritan Mission on this website, driven by our passion for impactful projects that enhance lives. Our dynamic team—graphic designers, web developers, content creators, strategists, and marketing experts—brings nearly 30 years of design and marketing expertise, dedicated to serving nonprofit and faith-based communities.

    - Allison Duine, President & Creative Director

    Building Brands The World Lves

    • World-Class Design
    • Unrivaled Branding
    • High-Impact Websites
    • Proven Strategy
    • Digital Marketing

    Stories of Change

    Check out Eduardo and Brenna who both have inspiring stories of change and growth at the Good Samaritan Mission
    —a BIG thank you to Joel Mattson who donated his Videography skills.

    Pioneering positive change driving progress

    Pioneering Positive
    Change & Driving Progress

    The Good Samaritan Mission is making significant strides, leading the way in positive transformations that underscore our dedication to the community. A series of recent improvements highlights our commitment as we continue to expand and enhance our services.

    • 100% New Staff
    • New Kitchen Equipment
    • Building Renovation
    • New Food Pantry
    • 11 Additional beds (41 Total)
    • New Clothing Closet
    • New Women’s Shelter
    • No-cost Nonprofit Training
    • Women’s Admission Priority
    • Commitment to Disaster Relief