Meet Shelby Folga, the Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Haven.
During college, Shelby briefly experienced homelessness herself, sleeping in her car and relying on the kindness of others while trying to continue her education. As the emotional and physical toll of housing insecurity grew, she eventually stopped attending classes and dropped out of college. That experience would later shape her commitment to ensuring others are met with compassion, respect, dignity, and hope during difficult times.
Today, Shelby serves as the Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Haven, a low-barrier, trauma-informed emergency overnight shelter serving men experiencing homelessness in Erie. Since 1984, the Haven has offered more than just a place to sleep. Through a ministry of presence, guests are welcomed each evening with refuge, food, comfort, friendship, and dignity.
“I became the Executive Director of St. Patrick’s Haven in February 2023, and what drew me to the position was a deep desire to help others,” Shelby shared. “I realize now that passion stems from my own life experiences. Even though my experience with homelessness was brief, I remember feeling isolated, uncertain, and alone. I never forgot what it felt like to simply need someone to care.”
That understanding continues to shape the work happening inside the shelter every day. Guests are not viewed as clients or numbers, but as neighbors deserving of dignity and care. Whether someone stays for one night or many months, St. Patrick’s Haven strives to meet each person where they are without judgment or conditions.
Shelby’s passion has created best and better days for men within the City of Erie. Because of her passion The Erie Community Foundation awarded St. Patrick’s Haven a $17,430 grant to replace flooring damaged by a fire. While flooring may seem like a simple repair, the project restored the shelter’s full capacity and created a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for guests each night.
“Something as simple as safe flooring has a tremendous impact,” Shelby explained. “Our guests deserve a space that feels cared for because they are cared for.”
Meet our friend, Marty.
Marty, came to St. Patrick’s Haven after being released from prison with nowhere else to go. Reflecting on his experience, he shared: “Without St. Pat’s I would probably be back in prison or on the streets… Now I have a place to sleep, people to talk to, and I get to stay connected with my daughter… The Haven’s done more for me than words can explain.”
Stories like Marty’s reflect the heart of St. Patrick’s Haven’s mission. Beyond providing nightly shelter, the Haven offers something many guests have gone without for far too long: the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and respected. Through a ministry of presence, guests are met with compassion, dignity, and human connection during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Saint Patrick Parish founded the Haven in 1984, and in the mid-1990s, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania welcomed the Haven as part of their ministry, continuing a long tradition of serving the dear neighbor without distinction.
To learn more about St. Patrick’s Haven and how you can support their causes, visit www. StPatricksHaven.org.