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.

0

Men served annually.

0 +

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!

After a short break, we're back to bragging on our amazing board members. Keep reading!

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 David Gordon. David is a familiar face to many. From his busy professional life, to multiple board positions, and with friends all over, if David hasn't met you yet, it's only a matter of time. Make sure to say hello below!

💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

"David earned his B.S. in Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2002. Following this, he pursued a Pennsylvania Real Estate license in 2003 and joined ERA Richmond Real Estate Service.

David's charismatic and fun-loving nature led him to take on a leadership role as President of the Meadville Area Chamber of Commerce from 2022 to 2025. He and his wife Karen are passionate real estate investors and active community volunteers. David's infectious energy and commitment to both his professional and personal communities make him an inspiring figure to all who have the pleasure of knowing him.

He joined the board of St. James Haven to contribute to an organization that brings hope and joy to a struggling part of the community that is often overlooked." ... See MoreSee Less

Welcome back for thi

View Comments likes love 28 Comments: 2 3

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

St. James Haven updated their cover photo.

... See MoreSee Less

View Comments likes 1 Comments: 0 1

0 CommentsComment on Facebook

St. James Haven

Another successful Drive-Thru Community Dinner is in the books! 👍👍

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers from Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania and SSJ Mission & Ministries Foundation. These ladies brought great energy and big smiles to each of our dinner guests. 😀 We greatly appreciate their support - just one piece of the pie that make up the awesome things that the Sisters have done and continue to do within our communities.

If you were able to stop by to pick up a meal (or 2... or 3!), thank you for your support, as well! 💙 These dinners continue to be a great source of fundraising AND community building for the Haven. We hope that you enjoyed your dinner, and come back again!

👉 Next up... The July Drive-Thru Community Dinner will be held on Thursday, July 16th from 3-6 pm, sponsored by our friends at Financial Care Partners. Mark your calendar for a picnic menu: Choice of Sandwich (Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, or Deli Meat) with Chips, Fruit, and a Sweet Treat. ... See MoreSee Less

Image attachment

Image attachment

Image attachment

Image attachment

Image attachment

View Comments likes love 32 Comments: 2 3

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

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