What Erie City Mission does

Erie City Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1911 and headquartered at 1017 French Street in Erie, Pennsylvania. It operates a comprehensive continuum of services targeting homelessness, food insecurity, addiction, domestic violence, and youth at-risk in the Erie region. Core programs include the Men's New Life Program (long-term residential recovery for up to 38 men, 8–12 months), the Women's New Life Program at Grace House (long-term therapeutic transitional living for up to 14 single women, 12–18 months), the Samaritan Care Emergency Men's Shelter (up to 56 men nightly, up to 60 shelter nights per guest), the Public Meal Program serving free breakfast and lunch 363 days per year in Hagen Hall, and Urban University (a youth leadership program for 7th–12th graders operating three seasonal sessions). The Mission also operates two thrift retail stores in Erie and Girard plus a donation center running 40 pickups per week, and convenes weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings open to the public.

The Mission's underlying technology footprint is modest: MissionTracker, an online volunteer management platform, supports sign-ups, hour tracking, and profile management; digital giving is processed through Pushpay; and Erie Gives provides an annual 24-hour online giving channel hosted by the Erie Community Foundation. The Mission is a member of the Citygate Network (275 rescue missions nationwide) and holds membership in good standing with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), with public Charity Navigator ratings.

As a donor-supported nonprofit, Erie City Mission does not charge for its services. Revenue is generated through six principal streams: individual donations (including Bread and Life and Partner Circle recurring memberships), planned and estate giving (bequests, stock, IRA distributions), thrift store sales, fundraising events (Annual Banquet in October, Knockout Homelessness in February, Broadway by the Bay, and Erie Gives), corporate matching gifts and event sponsorships, and in-kind goods donations supplemented by the Pennsylvania EITC program supporting Urban University. Go-to-market is fundamentally community-led and event-driven: the Mission mobilizes thousands of annual volunteers from churches, schools, and corporate groups, and maintains relationships with 18+ named corporate food partners (Wegmans, Chick-fil-A, Giant Eagle, Sheetz, Coca-Cola, Bob Evans, and others) to feed the public meal program.

Name

Erie City Mission

Legal name

Erie City Mission

Website

https://eriecitymission.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Erie City Mission is a faith-based nonprofit in Erie, PA providing emergency shelter, residential recovery, free daily meals, and youth leadership programs for individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction, hunger, and poverty.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless and Social Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Community Food Services (624210), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Substance Use Recovery & Harm Reduction Support Services (BPAGAEAO), Faith-Based Social Services & Community Outreach (Food Pantries, Shelters, Counseling) (BPAGAJAG), Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits (BPAGADAM)

Keywords

• Homeless shelter services
• Addiction recovery programs
• Community meal services
• Youth leadership development
• Thrift retail operations

Headquarters

HQ city

Erie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations and Gifts: The Mission relies on individual donors who give monetary gifts of any size. Bread and Life Members pledge monthly or quarterly, while Partner Circle Members pledge a minimum of $2,000 per year, providing a steady and dependable source of income.
2. Planned and Estate Giving: Donors can make planned gifts including wills/bequests, life insurance beneficiary designations, retirement account designations, and donations of appreciated stock, bonds, or mutual funds.
3. Thrift Store Sales: Two thrift retail stores (Erie and Girard) sell donated goods. All proceeds support Mission programs. Clothing that cannot be sold is baled and shipped to third-world countries, generating additional revenue.
4. Fundraising Events: Major annual fundraising events include Annual Banquet (October), Knockout Homelessness (February), Broadway by the Bay, and Erie Gives 24-hour online giving day where bonus bucks are added to donations.
5. Corporate Matching and Sponsorships: Corporate matching gift programs multiply employee contributions. Sponsorship opportunities for fundraising events are available to businesses and organizations.
6. Goods Donations: Donated goods (clothing, furniture, household items) are received, sorted, and sold in thrift stores. Donated vehicles are also accepted. The Mission also participates in the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program benefiting its youth leadership program.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels11 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Erie City Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating in Erie, Pennsylvania that delivers a continuum of intervention and prevention services to people experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and addiction, and to at-risk youth. Its core offerings include an emergency men's shelter (Samaritan Care), long-term residential recovery programs for men (Men's New Life) and women (Grace House), a daily public meal program, and a youth leadership program (Urban University). Two thrift retail stores and a donation center generate earned revenue that funds these programs. All direct services to beneficiaries are provided free of charge.

Product overview

Erie City Mission operates as a faith-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of intervention and prevention programs unified under its mission to restore hope and transform lives. The core offerings include five direct service programs: Men's New Life Program (residential recovery for men), Women's New Life Program at Grace House (residential recovery for women), Samaritan Care Emergency Men's Shelter (emergency housing), Public Meal Program (free daily meals), and Urban University (youth leadership development). Supporting these are Erie City Mission Thrift (retail thrift stores generating revenue for programs) and Celebrate Recovery (weekly recovery meetings). The organization also produces the 'Beyond the Mission's Doors' podcast. All programs are coordinated through the Mission's headquarters at 1017 French Street, Erie, PA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Grace House: Long-term therapeutic transitional living facility for single women without children at Erie City Mission, committed to life transformation.
• Samaritan Care Emergency Shelter
• Hagen Hall

Products and services

• Men's New Life Program Long-term comprehensive residential recovery program for men committed to making true change. Can house up to 38 men. Participants work the program from 8 to 12 months and receive addictions recovery through 12-step AA/NA, cognitive renewal, group and individual counseling, and internships.

Quantifiable outcome

• 59% of New Life Program graduates remain sober after 1 year
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bob EvanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner that contributes food items to the Mission's public meal program, helping provide daily meals to those in need.
• Chick-fil-AcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• WegmanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Giant EaglecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Eat'n Park Hospitality GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Country FaircoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• CurtzecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Little CaesarscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program. Also partners with Urban University for fundraising pizza sales.
• SheetzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Tim HortonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Red LobstercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Outback SteakhousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Cheddar'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Coke (Coca-Cola)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate beverage partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Co-OpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• MaplevalecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Meadow BrookcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Mighty Fine DonutscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Walker's Christmas Tree FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate food donation partner contributing to the Mission's public meal program.
• Gannon UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing experiential learning opportunities and student mentorship.
• Wabtec CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting Urban University youth leadership program through experiential learning.
• Asbury WoodsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing experiential learning opportunities for youth.
• Primo TailoringminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth Commerce partner providing creative and engaging entrepreneurial experiences for Urban University students.
• Iron Empire ClothingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University youth commerce partner providing entrepreneurial experiences for students.
• Taco BellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth Commerce partner providing entrepreneurial experiences for Urban University students.
• TKO-ErieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing experiential learning opportunities.
• Women's Care Center of Erie CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing community support services.
• Pennsylvania State PoliceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing mentorship and career exploration opportunities.
• Blended Spirits RanchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University collaborative partner providing experiential learning opportunities.
• Paragon Print SystemsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban University youth commerce partner supporting student entrepreneurial experiences.
• Final Stitch (The Final Stitch)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal design and e-commerce partner producing and selling Urban University student-designed merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies, accessories). The Final Stitch is located at 2910 Sterrettania Rd, Erie, PA 16506 and powers the UU Merch Shop at fserie.com.
• Money Radio, WS$EminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedia partner producing the 'Beyond the Mission's Doors' podcast in partnership with Erie City Mission.
• Broadway by the BayminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Broadway-themed fundraising event benefitting the Mission's work with women and mothers facing homelessness, addiction, poverty, and trafficking. Second annual event raised over $300,000.
• Erie Community FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization behind the annual Erie Gives 24-hour online giving campaign. The Foundation and community partners add Bonus Bucks to donations made to the Mission through Erie Gives.
• Citygate NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of 275 rescue missions. Membership provides access to networking, professional resources, best practices, and collaboration with other rescue missions throughout the nation.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill of Western Pennsylvania & North Central West Virginia: Regional Goodwill affiliate operating thrift retail stores and workforce development programs. Comparable to Erie City Mission's thrift-store social enterprise plus Urban University youth/career programming; both monetize donated goods to fund mission-aligned services.
• The Salvation Army of Greater Erie: National faith-based organization with local Erie presence providing shelter, meals, and social services. Directly comparable service portfolio (emergency shelter, food programs, thrift) with significantly broader scale and geographic reach.
• Pittsburgh Mercy / Trinity Health: Large regional Catholic-affiliated behavioral health and social services provider in western PA. Comparable in providing recovery and reentry services in the same state, with broader scale and more secular funding posture.

Direct peers

• Light of Life Rescue Mission (Pittsburgh): Faith-based urban rescue mission in a nearby Pennsylvania city providing emergency shelter, meals, and long-term recovery programs. Directly comparable in service mix (shelter + recovery + meals), faith-based model, and donor-supported nonprofit structure.
• Steuben Center / City Rescue Mission (Scranton): Citygate Network-affiliated rescue mission providing meals, shelter, and recovery programs in another Pennsylvania market. Closely comparable operating model and program scope, with similar scale and outcomes-oriented programming.

Emerging players

• Habitat for Humanity of Erie County: Local Habitat affiliate addressing housing instability in the same Erie market. Comparable mission focus on housing outcomes and volunteer-driven model, though focused on home ownership rather than emergency shelter/transitional housing.
• Compass Mark: Pennsylvania-based nonprofit providing addiction prevention, intervention, and recovery services. Comparable in addressing the addiction recovery continuum and serving youth/families, though focused on prevention education rather than residential recovery.

Regional players

• Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania: Regional food bank serving the same Erie/northwest PA footprint. Comparable in addressing food insecurity and corporate food-donor partnerships, though focused on food distribution rather than direct meal service or shelter.
• Crossroads Ministries (Erie): Local faith-based nonprofit serving Erie with recovery, housing, and food programs. Directly comparable geographic footprint and service mix, though smaller and more focused on specific subpopulations.

Others

• United Way of Erie County: Local United Way affiliate operating in the same Erie donor ecosystem and funding pool. Comparable in mobilizing corporate workplace giving, partner agency grants, and donor stewardship, but functions as a funder/aggregator rather than a direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@eriecitymission
• Facebookfacebook.com/eriecitymission
• Instagraminstagram.com/eriecitymission
• Xx.com/eriecitymission

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Erie City Mission