The Samaritan House

With the emergence of AIDS in the United States in the early 1980’s, many people infected with the disease were ostracized and homeless. It was apparent to Barry that folks with HIV/AIDS needed a home, and needed a secure place during their great medical & financial need.

Nobody was wanting to help anyone who was said to be infected, and the public was afraid. Through the church money was raised, and a building purchased in west Fort Worth. Immediately men moved in.

Barry chose the name The Samaritan House for the location, because of the connection with the Bible story the Good Samaritan. He had called Kay Granger to gain a sense of support from the city, and to let the city’s governing body know what the church would be doing. Ultra religious groups were saying God was punishing homosexuals, so it was important to provide as much support for the endeavor as possible to ensure its success. The church continued to put money into it, and it evolved into a popular mission.

Later, the program was expanded and housing was developed on Hemphill Street - the organization became known as the Samaritan House Tarrant County.