Love Can Change the World
The Community of Caring is a temporary emergency shelter serving Erie County. Since 1980, we have provided food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities for people in Erie County. The generosity of people like you supports the crucial work of Community of Caring. Also, we depend on the support of local churches, businesses, foundations, and state and federal funding.
Homeless shelters and related service providers are experiencing their highest service demands in decades. Job loss, medical bills, bad credit, divorce, abuse, and mental health threaten the stability of many people from all walks of life. In these challenging times, your gift is needed more than ever.
Community of Caring believes that loving relationships change lives. We know how much God loves us, and we want to share that love with others in practical ways. We expect people to deal with the consequences of their actions, but we will always give them another chance because this is what we believe God wants us to do.
If you were fortunate enough to have spent time with Mother Kennedy, she probably had you sing “Love Can Change the World” with her. We believe everyone not only can but is changing the world. Every action you do, every choice you make, makes the world better or worse.
Please help to support our work of sheltering, feeding, and providing emergency support for people experiencing homelessness.
If you are part of a business, foundation, or agency interested in learning about the benefits of supporting Community of Caring, please get in touch with Christine Tombaugh, Executive Director – 814-456-6661 or ctombaugh@cocerie.org.
Donation Needs List
- Towels & Wash cloths
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Twin-size bedsheets
- Pillowcases
Toiletries
- Bar soap
- Body wash & wipes
- Feminine products
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Perfume
- Nail polish
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
Volunteers
- Painters
- Yard work
- Maintenance
- Small projects
Office Supplies
- Printer paper
- Notepads
- Highlighters
- Pens & pencils
- Binders
- Manilla folders
- Envelopes
- Post-its
Cleaning Supplies
- Paper product (Paper towels, toilet tissue, Kleenex)
- Laundry soap
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
- Gallons of paint
- Light bulbs
Kitchen Supplies
- Kitchen towels
- Sturdy, deep paper plates – 9”
- Plastic Silverware
- Styrofoam bowls
- Coffee Cups 8-9oz.
- Napkins
Clothing & Outerwear
- Men’s & Women’s seasonal clothing (pants, shirts, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts & pants)
- Packaged undergarments (men’s & women’s)
- Bras
- Socks & shoes
- Coats, hats, gloves & scarfs
- Hand warmers
- Umbrellas
