Community of Caring

Our Story

Community of Caring began in 1980 with a simple act of kindness: a few bags of donated groceries. Mother Mary Beth Kennedy and Elder Charles Kennedy recognized the urgent need to feed the hungry in their community. With the support of dedicated volunteers, they started distributing food bags weekly, which soon evolved into serving hot meals from the kitchen of the House of Prayer Church of God in Christ. This initiative laid the foundation for a longstanding Erie tradition of offering free hot meals on major holidays.

As the homeless population in Erie grew, the need for shelter became increasingly critical. What started as a few bunks in the back of the church transformed into a comprehensive shelter system. After Elder Kennedy's retirement, the church's main body was converted into office space with the help of grants from the Erie Community Foundation and Erie County. Today, Community of Caring operates from seven buildings, providing housing and services for up to 60 individuals.

Impacting Lives

Community of Caring has positively impacted thousands of lives by not only meeting basic physical needs but also nurturing the heart and spirit. The organization is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through comprehensive programming that prepares individuals for successful long-term housing.

Why Donate?

The generosity of individuals and organizations is vital to the ongoing work of Community of Caring. Local churches, businesses, foundations, and government funding play a crucial role in sustaining these essential services. In these challenging times, your contribution is more important than ever to help provide shelter, food, and emergency support for those experiencing homelessness.

Get Involved

Join the mission to support those in need. Your donation, whether in cryptocurrency or cash, can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community.