The Good Samaritan Inn stands like an oasis in the desert, satisfying the physical, spiritual and medical needs of scores of needy, hungry and homeless persons across the Corporate Area on a weekly basis.

The Inn, which can be described as a one-stop centre, offers food, clothes and spiritual teachings to indigents on Sundays and Wednesdays and is open daily from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm for them to have their baths and to do their laundry.

The Inn, is located at Geffrard Place, (between Orange Street and National Heroes’ Circle) in Kingston and is operated and funded chiefly by the East Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Adventist-Laypersons’ Services and Industries (ASI) East Jamaica.

Last week, when the Observer visited the Inn several appreciative citizens were there having a hot cup of soup and a bag of crackers, while others walked around proudly brandishing new pairs of shoes and giving thanks as other, dipped into bags of clothes that were provided for them.

“It is good that we can come here, wash our clothes and get some food because sometimes I am hungry and I don’t have anything to eat and this is the only place that I can come to and get a warm meal,” said Norma Campbell, who was sipping a cup of hot soup.

Another grateful beneficiary, Handell Witter, showered praises on the services offered to him and his colleagues as he showcased a pair of shoes, which he quickly tucked under his shirt, as if to ensure their safety.

“This place has done a lot for poor people,” he declared, echoing the sentiments of several others who openly expressed their appreciation and love for the Inn and its project manager, Vermont Murray.

Murray, who is described as their “Father” and “Godfather”, said the Inn opened in December 2007 catering to about 50 persons, but has grown fast and is now providing meals for at least 150 persons on Wednesdays and about 250 on Sundays, when it offers a complete meal.

“We have had clinic here on a number of occasions for them and once per quarter we offer medical, optical and pharmaceutical services to them,” Murray said.

He said the Inn not only tried to meet the physical and medical needs of the persons who visited but encouraged them to take part in the devotional services and spiritual lessons that form a part of the outreach activities at the Inn.

Since the Inn has been opened, 11 persons had been baptised and several others had become “regular churchgoers” at the nearby Heroes’ Circle Seventh-day Adventist Church, Murray said.

“I think the Inn offers good service here, and I not only appreciate the food but the devotions as well because, even though I have my church, I still can come here and learn new things, so we don’t want the service here to end and we want the Lord to continue to bless it,” said Hermina Facey.

Her colleague, Gene Henry, also spoke highly of the Inn and its manager: “I have been coming here for a while now and it has really made a difference in my life. Mr Murray help us out all the time; if we are sick we can come, if we are hungry we can come and he also help us out with our children.”

According to several others, the Inn has been a blessing which they hope will last, as many of them are unable to find food or clothes for themselves, at times.

In addition, they said they could always take their problems to Murray and he not only listened but also tried to assist.

“Mr Murray always remember us all on Mother’s Day,” said one woman.

But while there are no immediate plans to establish this charitable establishment at other locations across Jamaica, Murray said the Inn would be expanded to include a skills training centre, clinic and an overnight sleeping quarter for the homeless by next January.

Persons wishing to contribute to this worthy cause can make their donations at any branch of the RBTT Bank in Jamaica, to account #RBTT 0631310004795.