
Faith in Action: How Samarya Elliott is Bringing Hope to Daytona Beach through Karys Foundation Inc.
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“God chose me to continue the work of Jesus, and as long as I keep Him first, He will never let me fail.”
— Samarya Elliott, Founder of Karys Foundation Inc.
From Childhood Compassion to Calling
Samarya Elliott’s journey began with a simple question — “Do you have any cash to give to that person?”
As a child, she carried a heart to serve those in need, often asking her parents to give to the homeless she saw on the street. That same spark grew into a lifelong calling to serve with purpose and compassion.
During the 2020 pandemic, Samarya returned home from college and asked herself, “Who is feeding the homeless right now?”
With faith leading the way, she and her mother prepared meals and distributed them across Daytona Beach. That single act of love planted the seed for what would become Karys Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in February 2021.
Redefining “Home”
“Home means safety and security. It’s where you can recharge, be yourself, and feel loved.”
For Samarya, home is more than a place — it’s a feeling of safety, dignity, and belonging.
Through monthly outreaches, Karys Foundation ensures those facing homelessness are met with warmth, meals, and care that reflect God’s love. Every plate of food and every smile exchanged is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel at home.
Challenges Met with Faith
When city changes scattered Daytona Beach’s homeless population, outreach became more difficult.
But instead of giving up, Samarya leaned into Psalm 82:3:
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
With creativity and prayer, Karys Foundation continued to adapt, finding new ways to serve and reach those who need it most — one meal, one connection, one prayer at a time.
A Story That Fuels the Mission
Samarya’s personal drive comes from her own family’s testimony.
Years before Karys Foundation began, her parents faced homelessness while she was still in her mother’s womb. Despite their challenges, they worked hard and built a life rooted in faith and resilience.
“The Lord brought them a long way, and it’s a need for me to spread these blessings through my work.”
Their story serves as a powerful reminder that God can turn any circumstance into purpose.
Faith at the Core
Faith is the heartbeat of everything Karys Foundation stands for.
In 2021, Samarya recommitted her life to God and learned to lead by the Spirit rather than emotion.
“I learned to be led by the Spirit and not my feelings. God chose me to continue the work of Jesus.”
Her obedience has guided the foundation through every season — and continues to light the path forward.
Partnerships that Empower
Karys Foundation thrives because of faith-filled collaboration.
Mentors like Terri Yearby (Standing in the Gap Ministries) and Tonya Rone (T&R Helping Hands) have poured wisdom into Samarya’s journey.
The foundation also partners with schools like Mainland High, Silver Sands Middle, and Campbell Middle, empowering students to serve through meal prep and outreach.
Churches such as New Heart Christian Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church have opened doors for volunteerism, advocacy, and partnership — proving that when communities unite under Christ, transformation follows.
A Message for Aspiring Servants
“Pray and ask God to guide you. Every small act of love matters.”
Samarya encourages anyone with a heart to serve to begin with prayer. Whether volunteering, buying a meal, or donating, every step taken in faith contributes to the bigger picture of God’s love in action.
“If you keep God at the head of your steps, He will place you in the presence of the right people and organizations.”
What’s Next for Karys Foundation
This holiday season, Karys Foundation plans to feed 300–500 people across Daytona Beach and partner with SALT Outreach in Orlando for a Thanksgiving outreach — providing meals and showers for the homeless community.
They are currently accepting blanket donations and monetary gifts to support these efforts.
How to Give
- CashApp: $Karysfoundationinc
- Zelle: Karysfoundationinc@gmail.com
Continuing the Mission
At Get Them Home, we believe in amplifying voices like Samarya’s — the faithful leaders restoring dignity and hope through service.
Her story reminds us that “home” is not always a building, but the presence of God’s love in action.
Author’s Note
Written by Get Them Home, Inc.
A faith-based organization dedicated to supporting the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of individuals and families. We share stories of community heroes walking boldly in faith and helping others find their way home.
Join the Movement
If you were inspired by Samarya’s story, you can make a difference too.
- Volunteer. Donate. Share. Pray.
Visit our ”Get them Home, Inc“ Page to learn more, support our initiatives, or nominate a community hero to be featured in our next blog spotlight.