INITIATIVES
Infinite Erie
By investing in Infinite Erie, the Foundation is sprouting seeds of growth. Through its playbook, Infinite Erie’s goal is to leverage state and federal funding to complete dozens of transformational projects. The Foundation committed $5 million in grants and program-related investments to launch Infinite Erie and invest in its projects.
Infinite Erie focuses on workforce development, inclusive entrepreneurship, neighborhood revitalization, and rural revitalization. The Foundation’s intentional investments provide the framework for other organizations to reinvest in the community.
In November 2024, Infinite Erie received $11.75 million in state Redevelopment Capital Assistance Funding (RCAP) to support three projects:
- Project RESOLVE ($6.5 million), a regional strategy to increase the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector by the adoption of sustainable technologies and best practices.
- 1001 State Street ($4.5 million), the complete historic and comprehensive redevelopment of an anchor and keystone building in downtown Erie leading to extensive development in the downtown area.
- Bayfront HarborPlace ($750,000), a dynamic, mixed-use development plan including corporate offices, a restaurant, hotels, retail shops, parking garages, an outdoor ice-skating rink, condominiums, and apartments.
“These projects are driving Erie’s transformation and growth, and we have infinite reasons to take pride in our progress, at the heart of Infinite Erie’s strategy is Erie’s Investment Playbook, a dynamic, living roadmap for Erie’s future. The pipeline of projects in the Playbook aligns with community needs and transformative goals and guides stakeholders on priority projects that enhance community equity, drive market momentum, and contribute to Erie’s economic vitality.”
Karen Bilowith, CEO, Erie Community Foundation and chair, Infinite Erie Action team
Housing First
Addressing the multifaceted needs of Erie’s unhoused population has been a pressing concern for community leaders for years. In November 2022, a collaborative effort led to the establishment of the Housing First Erie Project, a pivotal outcome of Infinite Erie’s work.
At its core, Housing First embodies an evidence-based approach demonstrating that individuals achieve stability when swiftly connected with permanent housing and supplemented with intensive supportive services. The Housing First Erie project aims to combat chronic homelessness in Erie County through this model and has identified 150 chronically homeless by name.
While several organizations in Erie provide immediate assistance to those experiencing homelessness, Housing First Erie targets individuals who have remained unhoused for over a year. The effectiveness of the Housing First model is well-documented and offers promising outcomes, such as an 80% retention rate in stable housing, substantial cost savings in emergency services, and reduced rates of trauma and addiction.
Housing First Erie represents a concerted effort to address homelessness, emphasizing the pivotal role of permanent housing and supportive services to create stability and enhance well-being within the community.
“We are raising $20 million to address chronic homelessness in a sustainable and effective way. If we are successful, 150 people will have permanent housing and no longer frequently use emergency services, which saves taxpayers and our hospitals money. More importantly, we all go to sleep knowing that our neighbors are home, safe and healthy.”