Goal 3 Better Networks

Since 1973, residents of Albany in crisis have been able to get temporary assistance from Fish of Albany. The agency offers food, clothing, transportation, medications and assistance with utilities and identity documents to individuals who have experienced an emergency or crisis.

“We are a volunteer-led organization, and the number of people we serve has grown from less than 5,000 in 1983 to more than 30,000 last year,” said Holly Ryan, executive director for Fish of Albany.

Samaritan has been a partner with Fish since 2001 with Social Accountability grants for the Food Pantry, Snacks for Packs and Transportation Solutions. The Food Pantry program alone distributes approximately 300 food boxes a month to families in need, with boxes available five days a week.

“This financial support gives Fish the security to continue offering our service programs without interruption and without decreases to quality or quantity,” Ryan said. “Without Social Accountability grant funds, our programs may be limited in the number of services and materials we could provide, or with decreased materials in such areas as food boxes or the food in the packs for our local students.”