Our Story

In 1911

a group of community leaders who cared enough about the crushing burden of hunger, homelessness and addiction rolled-up their sleeves and organized the Erie City Mission.

For over a century, the Erie City Mission has helped those impacted by the effects of addictions, poverty, homelessness and lack of hope through 5 quality programs that successfully meet both immediate and long-term challenges of those in greatest need.

The Mission has endured through two world wars, an international depression, many foreign war conflicts and numerous recessions. Dedicated staff, financial donors and volunteers have kept the doors open to meet the ongoing spiritual, physical and emotional needs of thousands of people.

An Extended History

The Erie City Mission's roots are founded in the ministry of the famous early 20th century evangelist Billy Sunday. Sunday had a promising professional baseball career in the 1880's with the Chicago White Stockings and the Pittsburgh Allegheny's. But as a result of a conversion experience, he turned his focus to ministry as a traveling evangelist. His rallies sparked the creation of a Christian social outreach project which is know today as the Erie City Mission.

Opening it's doors in 1911, the Mission, at its original location on 12th and Peach Streets, shared the gospel and provided music, food and clothing to those in need; establishing itself as one of the most important social outreach centers in the City of Erie.

In the 1920s, the Bessemer Railroad Company bought the building, forcing the Mission to relocate to a store building on East 9th Street, between State and French Streets. As a result of expanded outreach services and increased demand, the Mission relocated two more times before finding its permanent residence in 1978 at 1017 French Street: 1117 Peach Street and 150 East 9th Street (1971-1978).