MACC Milestone: Celebrating One Year

The first anniversary of residents moving into the Mercy Anchor Community Center (MACC) marks a milestone in Erie's fight against homelessness. Since its opening in 2023, MACC, an initiative by the Mercy Center for Women, has doubled the number of beds available on their campus to those experiencing homelessness, providing not just shelter but a comprehensive range of services under one roof.

The Holy Rosary School's homerooms now stand as 13 two-bedroom apartments, offering homes to men, women, and children from the Erie community. What was once a vacant school building has become a haven for those who had none, thanks to the support of generous donors who contributed $5 million to the project. Importantly, the renovations were completed without incurring any debt.

MACC is not just about providing housing; it's a hub for empowerment and community development. With the vision and tenacity of Executive Director Jennie Hagerty, MACC offers a myriad of services, from GED and computer classes to pre-employment training, a food pantry, gymnasium, fitness center, and primary and behavioral health services.

The facility, complete with 13 fully furnished apartments, a gymnasium, exercise room, and classes, hosts various community-oriented services such as mobile visits from the ExpERIEnce Children's Museum, science and nature learning for kids, and a thrift store. The John & Gertrude Petersen Community Room, generously supported by the Petersen Foundation and Erie Insurance, serves as a technology hub and community meeting space with 20 computer stations.

Daily Threads thrift store, a food pantry supported by the Second Harvest Food Bank, and a robust 24/7 security system contribute to the overall well-being of residents. The facility also collaborates with organizations like Dress for Success-Erie, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, GED classes, art classes, parenting classes, work readiness programs, and community gardens.

As the first residents celebrate their one-year anniversary at MACC, it stands as a testament to a community's resilience and compassion, where a once-vacant building has become a thriving community center offering hope and opportunity to those in need.