The Upper Room Provides Safe Haven for Erie's Homeless
March 07, 2016
When temperatures drop dangerously low and the air is brutally cold, the Upper Room Homeless Shelter provides warmth, a cup of coffee and camaraderie for upwards of 200 men and women every day. “After our clients sign in, we offer them a secure, supervised environment away from inclement weather and the streets of downtown Erie,” said Executive Director Dr. Chris Taylor. “Our homeless clients can make and receive phone calls, play board games, read the daily paper and meet with their counselors or probation officers.”
Founded in 1995 by Tom Schlaudecker, the Upper Room welcomes Erie’s homeless to the second floor annex of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at 1024 Peach Street. “I like this place because they give me small jobs to do and I can stay warm,” said a recovering alcoholic who builds shelves for the shelter.
“Many of our clients are extremely poor, and we do everything in our power to give them dignity and pride and hopefully mediate homelessness,” Taylor continued. According to Erie Vital Signs, approximately 18.3 percent of Erie County residents are below the poverty level, and this percentage increases to 29.2 percent in the City of Erie. Both city and county poverty rates have increased and are still above national and state averages.
Due to limited funds and the large number of clients served daily, The Upper Room has faced several problems: a leaking roof; soiled furniture and curtains; outdated surveillance and computer equipment; and limited training for volunteers. In 2014, The Erie Community Foundation and Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority awarded a grant to The Upper Room to assist with building renovations and staff training. “These grants make a tremendous difference, and we want donors to know their money is used wisely and positively impacts those who are less fortunate,” said Taylor.