Housing First Erie

June 19, 2024


Housing Erie First One

Housing First Erie will provide a new single-site building with 50 individual units, as well as redeveloping 100 existing units across the county.

“We are focused on a very meaningful and tangible outcome: giving a permanent home to 150 of our most vulnerable neighbors,” -Karen Bilowith, Erie Community Foundation.

Housing First Erie is partnering with UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor to provide behavioral health, medical, and case management services to individuals needing housing and assistance. This program is a collaborative effort supported by Karen Bilowith; President & CEO of Erie Community Foundation, Charles “Boo” Hagerty; President of Hamot Health Foundation.

Housing First Erie works within Infinite Erie, the investment strategy allocating funding towards transformative projects. The Project Team also includes representatives from Erie County, City of Erie, Housing Authority of the City of Erie, Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network, Gannon University, Erie County Care Management, Erie Home Team, and HANDS.

CNH Housing Partners will be developing the 50-unit apartment building, while BUILD Community Development Corporation will focus on the renovations of 100 units within Erie County.

Written by Madison Carlson, Marketing & Communications Intern