For many Erie families, finding stable housing can feel out of reach. But one local nonprofit is helping people move beyond simply meeting their basic needs and toward long-term financial stability and homeownership.
Over the past year, the St. Martin Center has helped 16 families become first-time homeowners through its housing counseling and support programs. The organization says that milestone is only part of its broader mission to strengthen families through food assistance, education, and self-sufficiency services.
At the heart of the center’s work is its emergency food pantry, which serves neighbors in need four days each week. The pantry is overseen by Interim CEO Michele Bagnoni and operated by a small staff with support from community partners and dozens of volunteers.
While food assistance remains a major service, center leaders say it is also an important first step in connecting families with additional resources.
The East Erie-based organization is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved counseling agency, allowing it to provide housing education, financial guidance, and referrals to individuals and families seeking stable housing opportunities.
Many referrals come through 814 Shelter, a local emergency housing service. From there, participants can work with case managers who help them navigate housing challenges and build plans for long-term success.
Dawn Miles, Director of Self-Sufficiency at the St. Martin Center, says the organization’s goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving. Through a combination of government and private funding, clients have access to free classes covering personal finance, budgeting, credit management, and housing options.
Those educational opportunities have played a key role in helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. In the last year alone, 16 families successfully purchased their first homes with assistance from the center’s programs.
Looking ahead, the St. Martin Center plans to expand its efforts even further. A new program will offer down payment and closing cost assistance to help more prospective buyers overcome financial barriers and become homeowners.
Organization leaders say the combination of food support, financial education, housing counseling, and direct assistance can make a lasting difference for Erie families working to build a more secure future.
More about the center can be found online here.