Link arms with Karie to support A Hand Up Erie

In 2019, while living in a local shelter, I first learned about A Hand Up Erie. Despite my professional background in social services, I had never heard of them—but the overwhelming sense of relief I felt knowing that the essentials to turn a house into a home would be provided completely free of charge, if I needed it, is something I will never forget. 

Driven by curiosity and a desire to give back, I took a massive leap in my own healing journey and showed up alone to volunteer at the Bel Aire Motel pick-up. While stacking donated side tables and dressers into a truck, I heard a familiar voice call my name. It was a gentleman I had babysat for years prior. In that exact moment, amidst the heavy lifting, I realized how beautifully our lives loop back together when we show up for one another.

What started as a quiet step toward my own healing has completely transformed my life. Today, I am proud to still be a part of this mission, surrounded by wonderful friendships I never would have found anywhere else.

Organizations like A Hand Up Erie truly highlight the power of community, turning the overwhelming transition of rebuilding a life into something deeply dignified and supported. When I think about what we do and who I get to do it with, I see good people doing good things that make a HUGE difference in the lives of people who find themselves in a place they least expected.

Your donation means the world to those awaiting their turn for a delivery of essential furnishings.  It means a family can sit at a table to eat together.  It means kiddos can have a bed to sleep in and so much more. 

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, your impact goes even further. Thanks to the Erie Community Foundation and its generous partners, a $637,400+ Bonus Bucks pool will prorate match your donation, and 100% of your gift goes directly to our mission because all online transaction fees are completely covered!

🤝 Want to Make a Direct Impact? Volunteer With Us!

If you want to be part of our circle of care, we have a place for you! We are always looking for hands and hearts to help with:

• The Heavy Lifting: Doing the physical work of picking up donated items, loading trailers, and delivering essentials to neighbors.
• Behind-the-Scenes Organizing: Sorting, prepping, and managing incoming household donations.
• Logistics & Coordination: Scheduling our upcoming community pick-ups and deliveries.
• Restoration & TLC: Repairing and refreshing gently used furniture pieces in need of a little extra love.
• Community Outreach: Managing our donation events, marketing, and fundraising initiatives.

Thank you for being the "good people doing good things" in Erie. Your generosity directly impacts our neighbors when they need it most, and we could not do this vital work without you.