Support St. James Haven during Crawford Gives August 24 – 27! A portion of donations are matched to provide even more support to our mission!

Welcome to St. James Haven

Restoring Hope and Offering Dignity to Men in Need

St. James Haven — Responding to a Need

St. James Haven in Meadville, PA is an outreach ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. In keeping with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania’s mission of “unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God without distinction”, St. James Haven provides a place of welcome, refuge, food and comfort for homeless men each night.

Join us for our June Drive-Thru Fundraiser Dinner!

July 16, 2026

3pm – 6pm

Come and enjoy your choice of sandwich (chicken salad, tuna salad, or deli meat), chips, fruit, and a sweet treat.

Cost: Your meal is available for a donation amount of your choice.
($5 minimum donation)

Thank you to our sponsor, Financial Care Partners!

St. James Haven

Accommodates up to 14 men each night.
Provides a clean, dry shelter and comfortable bed.
Offers a nutritious meal each evening, provided by local donors.
Works closely with local police, housing and mental health agencies.
Is staffed by two resident managers.
Is open 365 days/year from 6pm—7am.
Is financially supported primarily by public and private donations.

Generous Community Support has been the key to continuing our Mission.

Nights of shelter provided to men each year.

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Men served annually.

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Our Mission

In keeping with the Sisters of St Joseph mission, “Unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God without distinction,” St. James Haven, established by the Associates, provides a place of welcome, nightly refuge, food, and comfort for homeless men in the Meadville, PA area.

Keep up with the Latest News

St. James Haven

Welcome back for this week's HEARTS BEHIND THE HAVEN!

Through these posts, you'll meet the volunteer Board members who are behind-the-scenes of the Haven's Community Drive-Thru Dinners, special events, and many of the daily operations. With the support of our community, the mission of St. James Haven is not only possible, it's happening.

👉This week we'll meet Nick Novosel. Nick has great energy and a desire to serve the community. In fact, if you've ever been to the Haven's Drive-Thru Dinners, you may recognize him as a familiar face! Nick consistently shows up to share his time, and does a fantastic job of engaging with our sponsor volunteers and dinner attendees. Please join us in saying hello to Nick below!

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“I’m Nick, a full-time realtor with Howard Hanna Bainbridge Kaufman, as well as a property manager for some local multi-unit buildings. In 2025, I served as the board president for The Greater Erie Board of Realtors, overseeing all real estate professionals in Erie and Crawford County."

"Simply put, I joined St. James Haven because I believe in the mission. I love being able to give back to my community, especially in a capacity that I am passionate about. I’m pleased to have this opportunity to be an advocate for men's mental health and to help men find sustainable housing with dignity and purpose.
Aside from working with the Haven, I am a member of a couple run clubs, often running multiple days a week. Running and being at the gym with my friends have become my favorite ways to spend my free time." ... See MoreSee Less

Welcome back for thi

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St. James Haven updated their cover photo.

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St. James Haven

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania and SSJ Mission & Ministries Foundation are sharing an important message... "BE KIND" 😊

📣 Let's help spread the word! 📣The SSJ Mission and Ministries Foundation has launched an initiative called ‘BE KIND Coast to Coast,’ with the goal of getting BE KIND clings to every US state. The next time you are at the SSJ Community Living Center or the Administration Building, be sure to pick up a BE KIND cling to share with family and friends across the country! Please email foundation@ssjerie.org with the state your cling is going to, so it can be checked off the list. We can’t wait to see the results! ... See MoreSee Less

The Sisters of St. J

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We Believe that We can Best Serve With Your Help

Help us continue to provide our guests with love, respect, and kindness as they get back on their feet. Find out how you can help with a donation or as a volunteer.

Financial Contribution

Meal Donation

Volunteer & Inspire

Personal Care Items

Hear What Our Guests Have to Say…

I had it all at one time. A wonderful wife, great job, and friends - we had a lot of fun together. We camped, went for car rides, and lived life together. My life changed instantly when I lost my wife, granddaughter, and mother in a 21-day period. I spiraled into depression and began drinking. I lost everything to alcohol. Instead of paying bills, I paid for alcohol. On the verge of discontent and homelessness, I found St. James Haven. They welcomed me with warm, open arms. They've given me a roof over my head, food, and clean clothes. The staff and everyone are great. They helped me get my life back together again.

Larry

When I had lost it all - my career, money, home and found myself completely out of hope - St. James Haven was there. It isn't just a shelter; it is a springboard to a real second chance at life. They have a staff who truly cares about their guests and fosters independence, discipline, and overall individual growth. I would not be where I am today without St. James Haven, and owe my second chance at a bright future with a professional career to the people who make St. James possible. They helped me find hope, as well as myself, again.

Frank

St. James Haven saved my life. They provided delicious food every night, washed my clothes, and helped me get connected with other agencies to find housing.This taught me structure and I learned how to take care of things. They made me feel like someone does care about me. I was allowed to stay until I felt I could successfully live on my own. I have two daughters that I hope to have move back in with me so we can be a happy family again.

Todd

St. James and the Scallop Shell

Having been a fisherman and having taken the road that helped him discover his spirit, the scallop shell is the symbol of St. James and it relates to two layers of the human condition; the physical and the spiritual. St. James was an ordinary pilgrim like the rest of us. He walked a long difficult road with Jesus; he was imprisoned by his raging emotions, and he went through metaphoric fires to free himself and discover the vastness of his spirit. He learned how to live an authentic, peaceful life and he shared his personal lessons with others.

Source: http://www.theroadtosantiago.com