Responding to a Need
St. Patrick’s Haven has provided for the needs of homeless men in the City of Erie since it was founded in 1984 as an outreach of Saint Patrick Parish. In the mid-1990s, it became a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Saint Patrick’s Haven works closely with the police and social services.
Our Mission
St. Patrick’s Haven offers a ministry of presence and provides a place of welcome, nightly refuge, food, comfort and friendship for homeless men in the area.
Hope Restored
After 30 years of serving homeless men, St. Patrick’s Haven was in need of a new home. Plans to open a new Saint Patrick’s Haven began after the ministry was selected as the beneficiary of proceeds from the 2014 Roar on the Shore Motorcycle Rally, an annual charitable event which was then sponsored by the Manufacturer & Business Association. Saint Patrick’s Haven received $50,000 from the event in addition to three vacant lots donated by Erie businessman, Rick Griffith. A successful fundraising campaign was launched to secure the additional funds needed.
Former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott (left), Sister Mary Fromknecht, SSJ and Erie businessman, Rick Griffith break ground for the new St. Patrick’s Haven.
A year after breaking ground, construction was complete for the new home of St. Patrick’s Haven. The first guests were welcomed into the new facility on November 17, 2017. Saint Patrick’s Haven can now accommodate 23 men each night.
St. Patrick's Haven 