Information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) With developing news on the COVID-19, Community Shelter Services continues to take proactive steps to ensure the health and safety of our clients, employees, volunteers and community partners. These measures include close alignment to the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as PA Department of Health and Erie County health officials. Our clients and our community are our top priority, and information is our most valuable asset.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its direct economic impact, the number of individuals and families seeking assistance has greatly increased. Funding to assist people facing eviction expires on 12/31/2020, but many households will find themselves on the brink of homelessness beyond 2020. On September 1st, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an order to temporarily halt evictions through the end of the year. Read more about the CDC Eviction Moratorium, here.

Although controlling the spread of coronavirus is of utmost importance, the moratorium on evictions has caused a shortage of low-income housing available for clients from our shelter. This causes longer stays for clients in the CSS Emergency Shelter. Based on future economic challenges facing our community, we are bracing for a large number of evictions and a significant increase in homeless in 2021. Community Shelter Services is prepared to meet these challenges and work with our community partners in providing shelter to those in need in the coming months.

Look for more information on resources and advisories regarding COVID-19 at the Erie County website.