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Construction To Begin Soon!

Watch for updates on the construction of the new Audrey Hirt wing.

Mercy Center for Women - Latest Happenings/Events

 

Be sure to vote for Mercy Center for Women's Hope for the Future grant at http://www.erieuchoose.com beginning at 12:01 p.m. today and every day through January 11, 2012! We are seeking $10,000 and really would appreciate your votes!

 

Congratulations to the 2012 Women Making History

Because we are celebrating 20 years, we have chosen 20 phenomenal women

Johnie Atkinson, Maureen Barber-Carey, Tammy Batchelor, Sr. Bernadette Bell, Sr. Kevin Berdis, Sharon Downey, Lisa Gordon, Rebka Halligan, Mary Hoffman, Mary Catherine Hosack, Erika Howland, Patty McGuiness, Sallie Newsham, Sr. Rita Panciera, Marne Roche, Ann Scott, Mary Lou Scottino, Rebecca Ann Styn, Mary Weber, Lisa Zompa Nietupski

 

 

 

Mercy Center for Women (MCW) was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in January 1994 to provide long term (up to 1 year) transitional housing and support services to homeless women with or without children. MCW was founded by combining the services of two agencies, Hope House, a transitional housing facility for women and children, and Grass Roots Opportunities for Women, an advocacy center. MCW is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

  • Provide transitional housing for homeless women and their children
  • Provide an environment that is conducive to healing, recovery and growth
  • Provide support and opportunities for women, including our residents and those from the community
  • Network with other agencies and programs to better serve the needs of women
  • Cultivate leadership among women to benefit them

Mercy Center for Women is housed in a former convent built in 1960, that has 13 bedrooms and can accommodate 25-27 residents at any given time. The facility is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is located in a residential area close to shopping and public transportation. The facility includes an education room, living room, laundry facilities, kitchen and dining areas and a large, fenced-in back yard.

MCW residents have a private bedroom that they share with their children. Residents take an active part in the maintenance and day-to-day operation of the house and are expected to complete daily chores and care for their bedroom and their family's laundry. Residents prepare evening meals on a rotating basis. Attendance at house meetings, where staff and residents exchange ideas about house activities, is mandatory.

 

 

 

Statistics

Average number of women per year: 37

Average number of children per year: 23

Total shelter nights: 7274

Average cost per resident per day: $83.98

Budget: $849,650

Number of volunteers: 375

Number of volunteer hours: 8,346

Value of donated services: $169,100

 

Residents statistics during one year:

60% Caucasian

35% African American

5% Hispanic

52% of our residents were homeless due to drug and alcohol addiction

25% were making transition from prison or were on parole

15% were leaving abusive relationships

18% were jobless and lacked financial resources