The Heart of Hope in Erie's Little Italy
St. Paul's Neighborhood Center exists to nourish Erie’s Little Italy neighbors through food, welcoming community spaces, and dignified support that builds connection and opportunity.
Located in the former St. Paul School at West 16th and Walnut Streets, the Neighborhood Center is the third point of Erie’s “Triangle of Hope” — a collaborative initiative designed to address chronic homelessness and strengthen the surrounding neighborhood.
While our partners provide permanent supportive housing, St. Paul's Neighborhood Center focuses on what makes housing successful: access to food, job training, life skills, and a place to belong.
Why This Matters
According to Erie County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count, 457 people were experiencing homelessness on a single winter night. Many individuals facing homelessness also struggle with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.
Research shows that Housing First models significantly reduce homelessness and improve stability.
But housing alone is not enough. Access to food, employment pathways, healthcare, and community connection are critical to long-term success.
St. Paul's Neighborhood Center provides that essential support structure — helping transform housing into stability, and stability into opportunity.
“Honoring 135 years of history while building a new future for Erie’s most vulnerable”
1881
St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church established in Erie’s Little Italy Neighborhood
1928
Ground was broken for the current permanent stone church building at 16th and Walnut Streets.
1935
St. Paul’s Parish opens in Erie’s Little Italy Neighborhood at current location
1956
Construction begins on St. Paul’s School
1958
Classes begin at St. Paul’s School
1984
St. Paul’s School closing due to declining enrollment
2024
St. Paul’s Parish in Erie merged and subsumed into Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish
2027
St. Paul’s Neighborhood Center launching at former St. Paul’s School
The Triangle of Hope
The Triangle of Hope brings together three community assets working collaboratively in Erie’s 16502 zip code to implement a proven Housing First model.
Together, these efforts aim not just to manage homelessness, but to end it through coordinated, evidence-based solutions.
Washington Square Apartments
(BUILD CDC)
(BUILD CDC)
Permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless men
Mercy Center West
(Mercy Center for Women)
(Mercy Center for Women)
Housing and wraparound services for men, women, and children in transition
St. Paul's Neighborhood Center
(Mazzini Charitable Foundation)
(Mazzini Charitable Foundation)
A neighborhood-based community hub supporting both housing partners and the broader Little Italy community