The Refuge

The Refuge is EUMA's emergency shelter for homeless families with children.Services:
    Provide safe shelter
    Supply basic necessities - food, clothing, etc.
    Help families map a plan to self-sufficiency
    And, most importantly, keep the family together

The Refuge is the only emergency shelter in Erie that can keep the entire family unit together by housing them in their own room.  This key element helps to provide some stability to children and families during the difficulties of homelessness.
The Refuge can house up to nine families at a time.  During their 30- to 45-day stay, families are empowered through assessment and advising, referrals to community resources, and personal attention to strive toward independence and permanent housing. Particular attention is given to the children at The Refuge, helping them work through the stress and transition that homelessness brings.  Last year, The Refuge sheltered 83.6% of all children in Erie's homeless-shelter system and 63% of the homeless families.

Who we serve:
Homeless families with children:
 two-parent families
 mom and child(ren)
 dad and child(ren)

How we serve:
 Assist families in their progress toward self-sufficiency in personal housing
 Help provide basic necessities such as clothing, food, personal supplies
 Help to secure necessary paperwork such as Social Security card, Photo ID, birth certificate
 Case Manager works with family to identify needs and establish goals
 Assessment
 Link families to community resources such as: job search; employment; assistance to stabilize income/benefits; education - adult & children