Nov 17 2022 Erie, PA
The non-profit service "Harvest912" published an article giving the background of several of the homeless clients they have recently served, telling how those individuals became homeless. It is touching, enlightening and informative. Please read:
~ Complete Article ~
We AreApr 16 2021 Erie, PA
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for The Mental Health Association of NW PA? Now is your time to apply! Available jobs and their descriptions may be found at:
Please fill out the employment application:
and email it to info@mhanp.org or mail it to 1101 Peach St., Erie, PA 16501.
Rental AssistanceJuly 6 2021 Erie, PA
(Note: This article first appeared in the Opinion section of the Erie Times-News on June 25, 2021.)
As a certified peer specialist serving dual diagnosed individuals with substance abuse and mental health difficulties, I help people who are working to rebuild their lives for the better under challenging circumstances. Many of my peers have low-income or are reliant on a very small amount of public benefits. They must choose between buying enough food for their household and paying for needed health care services.
Among other important actions our government should take, it is time our elected leaders take action to support rental assistance. Pandemic aside, people in Erie need help. Too many people in Erie don't have the money to buy food, pay rent or pay for the health care they need. Benefits from Social Security, disability and food stamps are not enough to cover these basic costs. We need Pennsylvania to create new emergency rental assistance using funds from the American Rescue Plan. Rental assistance should provide support for case management, administration costs and rent.
Before I got to where I am today, I experienced housing instability. I remember how hard it was to make rent payments. My family and I had to move frequently. We even became homeless at one point. It took a long time to get on the list for housing support because the backlog was very large. I know firsthand how important more funding for housing support programs would be. It would mean the difference between not knowing where one will stay on a given night to having a place to rest and call home. Elected officials in Harrisburg should support rental assistance without delay.
Theresa Abbey
CPSS & CRS
MHA Peer Support Team Leader
Theresa Abbey
MHA ConsumerAug 1 2022 Erie, PA
We are excited to share the new hours in the Consumer Center as of February 2nd, 2023.
The Consumer Center is now open on:
Please check out the Schedule of Activities for all the activities in the Consumer Center!
If you have any questions about the Consumer Center, please call Jodi at 814-452-4462 x110.
Hope to see you soon!
Peer Support Program (PSP) Annual ReportDec 16 2022 Erie, PA
We have published the 2022 annual report for our Peer Support Program (PSP) and make it available here:
Support the MHA duringJuly 18 2023 Erie, PA
The Warming Center at Mental Health Association (MHA) was discontinued in March 2020 at the beginning of the Covid Pandemic. Although MHA was a site location for Our Neighbor’s Place during the winter seasons of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. We provided a sleeping space for 10 weeks during these two winter seasons in our lower level for 34 guests who utilized Our Neighbor’s Place.
And in September 2022, we offered to provide nightly shelter for the 20 guests from St. Patrick’s Haven who were displaced due to their building fire. We are anticipating the re-opening of St. Patrick’s Haven by the end of July 2023. Also, we distributed over 250 sleeping bags (rated to -20 degrees) since the pandemic began to those who needed this protection from the brutal winters in Erie.
During the Covid Pandemic, only 24 members came into MHA daily due to Covid restrictions. Since June 2022, we focused on creating a more normal life at MHA. More and more members began to return to the Consumer Center at MHA.
As of July 2023, there is an average of 90+ members coming into the Consumer Center every day. The Consumer Center is a daytime drop-in program for adults who struggle with mental health issues. We provide many opportunities for members which includes fellowship, lunch, laundry and shower facilities, social activities, 2x/week art support group run by NAMI instructors, NA group, yoga and access to free Wi-Fi and several computers to search for employment and housing options.
The donations received during Erie Gives Day will be utilized to purchase clothing, hygiene items, boots, food and sleeping bags for our members who are in need.
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING A DONATION TO MHA ON ERIE GIVES DAY, AUGUST 8, 2023!
~ Erie Gives Day ~
We Are AcceptingJul 11, 2023 Erie, PA
Make a donation to our center for persons who are homeless. We are currently accepting: servicable socks, t-shirts all sizes M/F, new underwear Mens M,L,XL and Womens S,M,L. If you wouldn't wear them, don't share them.
Monday thru Friday from 2PM to 4PM, or by appointment: Call 814.314.0219.
~ Info Message ~
MHA Will HostOct 19 2022 Erie, PA
A recent fire at Saint Patrick's Haven has made the facility unusable until repairs are completed. Mental Health Association has made available, a portion of their building that will be used to house the Saint Patrick's functions so they can immediately continue their mission of serving Erie's homeless population.
The tragic event occured in September that left the Haven in destitute condition and unable to house or serve it's clients. But now, the shelter temporarily has a new home. It is in operation out of the lower level of the Mental Health Association. All services are available as before, the only difference being the location.
NAMIJoin NAMI of Erie County for a Peer Support Group. These weekly support groups are for adults with mental health challenges, who are looking to connect with others and better understand mental health and their journey to recovery.
Gannon StudentMy name is Marley W. I am a senior Occupation Therapy student at Gannon University.
Gannon not only had the program that was best suited for me but also provided numerous opportunities for involvement on campus and in the community.
One of the most impactful experiences I have had was volunteer work with the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA) in the Erie community. We spent the day at the Mental Health Association, connecting with the patients. We played pool, watched TV, built puzzles, and had life-changing conversations throughout the day. It was an overall amazing experience that allowed me to give back to the Erie community.
It is because of YOU that I am able to receive a unique GU experience while having the opportunity to serve others. On behalf of the student body, I would like to say thank you. Without you, many of these opportunities would not exist for me or my peers.
Your support impacts every Gannon student and allows them to excel in all aspects of their Gannon experience. Thank you!
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