Special Projects

In addition to providing daily services to the homeless, The Upper Room of Erie also manages special projects throughout the year to impact the community. Our projects are meant to bring people together while providing needed items, food, and faith to those in need. The Upper Room also loves hosting events for the homeless to provide a fun and safe environment that’s off the streets.

Blizzard of blankets

The Blizzard of Blankets is our oldest project, begun in the fall of 1995. We conduct a public awareness campaign and then, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, collect new or used blankets in good condition. The blankets collected are distributed free of charge to those people and agencies in need.

Documentary Photographic Project

We conduct an annual contest among our homeless friends to motivate them to see their situation thru the lens of a camera. The results are now on display in the shelter. Visitors are encouraged to view these photographs.

Erie County Emergency Warming Shelter

We work in conjuction with the Mental Health Association(MHA) across 11th street from us. When the temperature will drop to 25 degrees, we stay open until 11:00PM. The Warming Center at MHA opens from 11:00PM until 7:00AM.
 

Annual Beach Party

Each summer, we sponsor a day at the beaches of beautiful Presque Isle State Park. A shelter is reserved and round trip transportation by van is provided by one of our sponsoring organizations. Our clients enjoy the sunshine, games, swimming, food and fellowship.