MACC West-Permanent Housing
The Mercy Center for Women is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals and families facing housing insecurity. Over the past several years, this vision has taken shape through transformative projects across our growing campus and the wider Erie community.
In 2020, the Mercy Center launched a major renovation of the former Holy Rosary School building, resulting in the Mercy Anchor Community Center (MACC East). Today, MACC East provides housing for 36 women, men, and children, along with extensive wraparound services supported by more than 20 community partners. Its satellite food pantry now serves over 1,000 neighbors each month.
In fall 2025, Brandy’s Corner, a renovated former rectory, opened its doors to welcome women and their children. With nine housing units accommodating up to 15 individuals, this warm, residential space expands our ability to support families as they rebuild stability and independence.
As Erie County continues to face rising poverty, domestic violence, addiction, and housing shortages, the need for safe, accessible housing options grows more urgent. The Mercy Center is responding by expanding its campus of services through the redevelopment of the former Sacred Heart School, now known as Mercy Anchor Community Center West (MACC West).
This 42,000-square-foot building is undergoing a major transformation to create 20 permanent supportive housing apartments for individuals experiencing homelessness. In addition to housing, MACC West will feature a food pantry and diaper depot, educational and meeting spaces, laundry facilities, and a multipurpose community area. These resources will provide residents and neighbors with opportunities to access essential services, build connections, and work toward long-term stability.
The Mercy Center's approach has already demonstrated the power of adaptive reuse and community collaboration. MACC East transformed a vacant school into a thriving hub of housing, supportive services, and second chances. MACC West will build upon that success, bringing new life, activity, and opportunity to a building that once served generations of Erie students.
Together, the Mercy Center for Women, MACC East, Brandy’s Corner, and the developing MACC West represent a growing, connected campus dedicated to meeting people where they are and providing the resources they need to move forward.
The work ahead at MACC West is substantial, but the potential impact is even greater. With the continued support of community partners, donors, and neighbors, the Mercy Center for Women is building solutions that honor dignity, strengthen families, and create lasting change throughout Erie.
For more information about being a part of the MACC West project, contact Jennie Hagerty at jhagerty@mcwerie.org.
