Ernie Hough, Kelly Hass and Sophia McBride (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — On Saturday, Feb. 17, friends of Ernest “Ernie” Hough, members of Lakeside House, the Ecumenical Council of Saranac Lake and local clergy honored Ernie’s seven years of service at Samaritan House in Saranac Lake.

Hough is leaving his director’s position at Samaritan House to teach full-time at NCCC.

Hough provided a steady hand that dealt with a great variety of challenges. Hough served as program director for Samaritan House since its opening on Feb. 1, 2017. During that time, the eight-bed facility has served over 435 people under his leadership and direction, nearly 90% of whom have moved on to secure permanent living situations.

A replacement for Hough has been hired and started Jan. 2.