The Good Samaritan @ The Baker Estate

Equity Statement

The service-driven nonprofit Good Samaritan @ The Baker Estate initiates programs established on the principles for which its historical name represents. Situated in an underserved community, the GOOD SAMARITAN is committed to extending humanitarian aid to the marginalized neighbor, offering services that support the removal of systemic barriers, and facilitating programs that inspire community impact. The history of the Good Samaritan structure is founded upon these principles.

EXTENDING HUMANITARIAN AID:

When the Leland Avenue structure became the Good Samaritan Hospital (1920), the operation under the directorship of German immigrant Martha Schultze was predominantly a birthing clinic for a Jewish population of unwed pregnant women who were – in the first half of the twentieth century – demonized and criminalized by society. In anonymity, these women lived on site until their babies were born and placed for adoption. While much of the world was in the throes of bitter and unequivocal anti-Semitism, this German and Jewish connection continued until 1945.

REMOVING SYSTEMIC BARRIERS:

In 1951, a ‘For Sale’ sign was posted on the hospital’s property; Good Samaritan was purchased by James and Bertha Baker, an African American couple who recognized Dallas’ failure to support clean and safe living opportunities for marginalized people. South Dallas was a segregated community. The Bakers purchased the structure and converted it to The Baker Residential Hotel, Dallas’ first-licensed facility for African Americans in the South Dallas community.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Good Samaritan’s mission in the twenty-first century is to continue the platform of service that began with the history of the hospital. The organization supports programs that feed and clothe the underserved community, and hosts the $10,000 annual “James Lynn Baker, II #Be a Coffee Bean Scholarship” – sponsored by author Damon West. The award is given each year to a high school graduate from an underserved community who seeks a college degree in fields of community or national service.

This Good Samaritan landmark is currently being restored. Following restoration, the house museum will open to the public. Open space will accommodate workshops and conferences in the arts, culture, and the humanities to enrich educational experiences for young people and youth across the city. A library will contain scholastic works that support educational enrichment. Partnerships with nonprofit food programs will be established to assist community needs.

Restoring this structure contributes to neighborhood improvement, enriches the authenticity of a platform of service, and allows Samaritan to stand as a hallmark of the value in historic preservation. On these principles, The Good Samaritan @ The Baker Estate stands.