The Refuge is the only emergency shelter in Erie, PA that keeps the entire family together during their stay!

	The Refuge can accomodate up to seven families at a time.
	The The AIPP Program
	The Youth And Kids (YAK) room is located at The Refuge.
	Located directly next door to Hope House

What is The Refuge for Families?

Located at 1027 E. 26^th St. Get Directions.

What does The Refuge do?

Our goal at The Refuge is to first identify each family's specific reason for being homeless. We then target their unique problem(s) and help stabilize their situation in order to re establish their self esteem and sense of independence and secure housing.

The Refuge strives to empower all residents. Particular attention is given to the children, who are the innocent victims of homelessness, by providing them with a caring nurturing environment while they are at the shelter.

The YAK (Youth And Kids) Room is a place where Youth And Kids of families who are staying at either The Refuge OR at Hope House can (at least for a little while) escape the reality of their situation. A haven, so to speak, where a child can be a child!

Homeless families leave alot behind, and for so many children there is nothing to look forward to. It is our pleasure to provide a room where, for a short time, a child can feel as though his/her world has stopped spinning out of control. It is only a room, but so much more. Love, laughter smiles and joy have moved in right along with the furniture, TV/VCR, computer, games and books.

UPDATE on the YAK ROOM

There is a fully operational computer with access to the internet and a GED study program for both adults and children with supervision to use for job search, homework assignments, etc. A second computer is available to play games and to type up assignments. The computer is available from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The after school program is available Monday thru Thursday from 3:00 - 5:00 PM for children living at The Refuge and Hope House. It is run by a certified teacher and volunteers from Mercyhurst college and the community.

KIDS CLUB

KIDS' CLUB meets on Monday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 PM and is run by the YAK Coordinator. Any volunteers or church groups who would like to help please contact Vicky (814) 456-8073 or via email.

Volunteers are always needed!!!!!

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUMMER 2008

We need you!
Come share your talents:
Dance, music, arts and crafts, sports, etc.

Summer program of 2007 was a great success. Some of the events were:

• Trips to the Erie Zoo
• Seawolves Games
• Sailboat Regatta
• Christmas in July
• Drive-In Movie Night
• Back to School Bash
• And More.....

The children of the Refuge and Hope House will be participating in the Upward Soccer Program Sponsored by the First Assembly of God on Oliver Rd this summer. We are grateful for this unique opportunity for the children.

Please let me know if you would like to help organize or participate in this summer's programs.

For more information contact Vicky (814) 456-8073 or via email.

Volunteer to spend some time in the YAK room.

The YAK room is located on the basement at The Refuge.

ATTENTION YOUTH GROUPS AND PEOPLE WITH ON YOUR HANDS:

Come spend some time with the boys and girls in the YAK Room!!! I promise you won’t regret it!

You can contact Vicky between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday at (814) 456-8073. or via email

How can I get involved?

Preventing homelessness and helping those currently suffering from homelessness is like operating a machine that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The machine cannot stop even for a moment or someone who needs help may get overlooked during that moment of down time.

Please click on the miracle machine below and help make sure the gears never stop.

For more information contact Chris (814) 454-6088 or via email.

Donate to EUMA online with Paypal!

 

• Volunteer your time!
• View EUMA current needs!
• Stay current with EUMA events!
• Read EUMA News and The Helping Hands Newsletter!

Contact The Refuge (814) 454-6088.

We hope you will be able to find out everthing you want to know right here. If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at The Refuge at (814) 454-6088 or send an email.