A good neighbor is helpful to others, whether it’s sharing a cup of sugar or gathering mail when a friend is out of town. In short, a good neighbor is someone you can count on when you’re in a bind.
Founded in 1994, Good Neighbor House embodies this sentiment. Good Neighbor House was created after eight Seventh-day Adventist churches in the Dayton area decided to work together to focus on the needs of underserved families.
Services at Good Neighbor House currently include medical, dental and eye care, faith and wellness and food and nutrition support. Good Neighbor House is not federally funded, so services are offered through fundraising, grants and donors.
Courtney Young works in marketing and communications for Good Neighbor House. She explains, “We are a one-stop-shop for access to care and we don’t turn anyone away. Everyone who works and volunteers here has a serving heart and will always give clients the compassion and hope they need to get back on their feet.”
Medical and vision services are provided only to uninsured individuals. Primary care and lab work are available onsite. For patients who receive continued care, medical care is $35 quarterly and all prescriptions are free. Clients who attend three classes each month through the dietary program receive a $70 gift card to purchase healthy food.
Medical visits are by appointment on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons. All providers participate in the residency program at Kettering Health’s Soin Medical Center.
Dental care is available to anyone 12 years and older, and all basic dental treatments are available, from fluoride and cleanings to fillings and crowns or dentures. Services also include correcting tongue and lip ties for babies in conjunction with lactation consultants once per month.
The dental program serves more than 250 patients per month, and Medicaid is accepted. Patients without insurance can self-pay on a sliding scale based on income. Dental appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Shellie Rice, the food pantry manager and outreach coordinator, notes that the goals of the programs are “to empower healthier communities by fostering the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of our neighbors throughout the Miami Valley community.”
Shellie explains that every family with food insecurity leaves with the food they need. The program goes beyond food by offering necessities that allow people to live with dignity, such as laundry detergent, diapers, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products and more.
“I have a strong passion for helping people during times of need, and there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing the look of hope in our neighbors’ eyes when they receive the support and services they require,” she continues.
The program relies on 40-50 volunteers to operate. Lucy Figner has volunteered with Good Neighbor House since 2019. She learned of the program through a neighbor.
“I recently retired and I was looking for something to do,” Lucy shares. “It also made me more aware of the need in my community. There are a lot of people who work and need assistance and it’s very sobering to recognize that.”
Lucy volunteers four days a week and adds that volunteering has broadened her horizons.
“I didn’t have many interactions with homeless people before I started volunteering,” she says. “I can make coffee every morning, take a shower and have the luxury of brushing my teeth. I used to take those things for granted.”
Shellie explains that volunteers are needed in the food pantry, as about 150 families are served daily. “It’s all hands on deck,” she says.
“Without our volunteers we wouldn’t be able to operate every day, so we are always thankful for the volunteers who want to donate their time,” she stresses.
Goals for 2025 include fundraising $150,000 to expand the food pantry. As the nonprofit marks its 30th anniversary, Shellie wants people to know that “we are more than just a community service organization—we’re a place where people can find hope and dignity when they need it most.”
Good Neighbor House is located at 627 E. First St. in Dayton. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Families who need food are highly encouraged to call ahead so the food can be prepared before pick up.
“We believe in treating everyone with respect, and we’re here to walk alongside people during difficult times, helping them regain stability and confidence,” Shellie promises. “At Good Neighbor House, it’s not just about meeting immediate needs. It’s about building lasting relationships and strengthening our community as a whole.”
For more information about volunteering at the food pantry call Shellie at 937-422-7778 or visit GoodNeighborHouse.org. To donate visit GoodNeighborHouse-Bloom.Kindful.com.