Below are 7 shelters for homeless in Erie, NY County.

Since 1972, Compass House has made the difference between homelessness and hope in the lives of Western New York youth.  Our mission?  To provide runaway, homeless and street youth with safe shelter and services, through a voluntary and mutually agreed-upon process, in an environment that supports dignity, respect and self-reliance.  In a context where young people live in unsafe homes, on the edge of homelessness and with few options, we consider our mission a vital one.  For nearly four decades, Compass House stands as one of the nation’s oldest shelter and service providers for young men and young women, offering shelter, counseling, and so much more.  From a warm bed and hot meals to caring words, Compass House is here when you need us, 24-hours a day, and 365 days a year.  In 2009 alone, we provided 3,074 days of care to 348 runaway and homeless youth. All of our services are voluntary, confidential and free.

Mission Statement-The GLYS mission is to provide an accepting environment to enhance the personal growth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth in Western New York. GLYS advocates for community awareness and acceptance of young people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

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Our Men’s Community Center, located at 100 E. Tupper Street, houses our emergency dorm and recovery program for men. Each night, 182 homeless men can find refuge from life on the streets. Here, they can leave behind their troubled pasts, filled with addiction, violence and poverty, and grow in Christ with the encouragement and support of our staff and volunteers. Here, they can rebuild their lives.

Buffalo City Mission’s Cornerstone Manor sits at the corner of North and Michigan. The spacious building provides emergency shelter for up to 16 single women and 5 families seeking protection from city streets or an abusive relationship. Up to 12 families and 46 single women can find hope and healing in the facility’s two-year resident recovery program.

The Transitional Independent Living Program provides free housing for males 16 to 20 years old who find themselves homeless due to family crisis, lack of affordable housing or do not have the basic abilities to be self sufficient.  Our adult staff  teach Life Skills and Life Steps to residents in our  home-like setting, giving them a  holistic approach to help the youth grow in Body, Mind and Spirit. It allows youth up to 18 months to develop skills and attributes that will help them to become independent, while furthering their education and working on more long-term goals.