In memory of Carver Sampson

This week, we were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Carver Sampson. Carver was more than a friend to United Way—he had become a remarkable humanitarian whose quiet strength and unwavering compassion changed lives across Santa Maria and beyond.

Carver first joined us when his wife, Carmen, worked at United Way. He was recruited to serve as an AmeriCorps member, dedicating four years of service to outreach among our veterans / unsheltered neighbors. Carver had a rare gift: he was willing to do whatever it took to help someone off the streets and into stability. He walked beside people others might have given up on, and he stayed with them until they were strong enough to walk on their own. Hundreds of lives were touched through his service.

I’ll never forget one individual I once described as “irresponsible” to try housing again. Carver picked up the mantle, refused to give up, and proved me wrong. To the best of my knowledge, that man remains stably housed today. That’s who Carver was—someone who believed in people when others couldn’t, and who stood ready to go into places most of us would never dare to enter if it meant reconnecting someone with their family or helping them step into housing and hope.

Even after his formal AmeriCorps service ended, Carver continued to support members and the community whenever he was called upon. He never sought the spotlight, but his quiet, unassuming presence left a deep and lasting impact. To me, Carver embodied what I call “Be RAIN: Respectful, Accepting, Interested, and Nice”.

Carver wasn’t famous like Bono or Jimmy Carter, but make no mistake—he was a great humanitarian. His legacy is found in the lives of those who are housed, healed, and hopeful today because of his care.

When I think of Carver’s life, I think of the dash between the two dates we use to mark our time on earth—the year we are born and the year we pass. It’s that dash that tells the true story of how we lived. At least a significant part of Carver’s dash was filled with service, compassion, and humanity. Though he was taken from us too soon, his example will remain with us always.

If Carver were here with us today, I believe he’d echo the words I knew him to live by: BE RAIN. We honor him by carrying that message forward.

On behalf of all of us at Northern Santa Barbara County United Way, our deepest sympathies go to Carmen, Stormy, and all of Carver’s loved ones. We remain forever grateful for his service, his heart, and his life well lived.

— Eddie Taylor
CEO, Northern Santa Barbara County United Way