COMMUNITY PROFILE

Good Samaritan Ministries serves needy residents living in Brown County. Located in Central Texas, Brown County covers 944 square miles and has a population of 36,889. The median income is approximately $28,000. 17.2% of the population lives below poverty compared to 15.4% statewide. The average household size is 2.48 persons. Of the population, the majority is female at 50.7% with the median age of 37.2. Anglo is the dominant race. At least one child is present in 27% of the homes, and 11% have no husband present. Almost 1/3 of the population is over 65 years old. The child poverty rate for the county is 27.5%.

A general laborer's wage begins at $5.15 and tops at $8.00. Garment makers make $5.15 with that being the top wage, regardless of tenure, according to Chamber of Commerce data. Office, clerical and technical employees average $6.36 per hour.

CLIENT PROFILE

Good Samaritan Ministries' clients are predominantly female at 57%. The average age of our clients is 47. Anglo is the dominant race. At least one child is present in 27% of the homes, and 77% of the households have no spouse present. 30% of Good Samaritan clients are elderly, 30% are disabled, 20% have a job, and 20% have no job or source of regular income. Of the individuals benefiting from our services, 40% are children.

As long as the poor are among us, there will be opportunities for ministry, ever expanding and ever changing. One-third of Brown County residents live in poverty according to census data. Many of the county's residents are elderly or disabled whose incomes cannot withstand a crisis. Opportunities to serve the poor and needy abound in our county.