Tucker Rossmaessler

This past Wednesday, we were joined by Tucker Rossmassler, the Director of Engagement at International Samaritan. International Samaritan’s mission is to help those living in garbage communities break the cycle of poverty.

Garbage communities are those that survive by scavenging trash from landfills. By collecting plastic bottles and cans, residents can earn a small profit from their findings. This work is both physically and mentally dangerous. In many of these communities, gangs and violence are prevalent in the dumps, making it difficult for residents to feel safe. Life expectancy in these areas is around 35 years old due to illness and disease from contaminated food and water, hazardous working conditions, and sometimes garbage landslides. Many families pull their children out of school—often before they finish junior high—to help gather as much garbage as possible for profit.

International Samaritan frequently visits these communities in Honduras and Ethiopia to provide support. Their assistance includes gift baskets, clean water, health and wellness centers, scholarships, and job opportunities. In 2023, they helped nearly 70 teens and young adults complete either secondary school, university, or technology courses. On average, students who receive support from International Samaritan earn two and a half times more than their household’s previous income.

International Samaritan aims to help as many people in garbage communities worldwide as possible. This month in Uganda, a garbage landslide, which occurred on August 16, killed 35 people, some of whom were sleeping in their homes at the time. Less than a week later, International Samaritan arrived at the site and immediately began assisting those searching for family members.

International Samaritan is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and we are very grateful to have heard from Tucker Rossmassler who is a member of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club.