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 September Drive-Thru Fundraiser Dinner!

September 17, 2026

3pm – 6pm

Come and enjoy penne with meat sauce, salad, a roll, and a sweet treat.

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

Thank you to our sponsor, Armstrong!

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

Thank you, Dr. Adsit and our friends at Vision Source Meadville, for your sponsorship and your continued support of St. James Haven!

At Vision Source Meadville, the team goes beyond just caring for your eyes; they care for the community as a whole. You'll often find them learning about local initiatives, volunteering with non-profits, and giving back through the practice's patient-centered programming.

"We no longer just specialize in eye exams or selling glasses. We specialize in doing all we can to give back to our community and those in need."

For more event information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit: stjameshaven.org/events/sound-off-for-st-james/ ...

Thank you, Dr. Adsit

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St. James Haven

Welcome back for 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 Marie Scwartz. Marie leads with a servant heart - always willing to lend a hand with a smile. She often offers quiet among the chaos and faces each new task with a 'give it a try' attitude. Thank you for all you do, Marie!

Please join us in saying hello to Marie below.

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Marie has been a resident of Crawford County since 1977 – as a student, a parent, and now a retiree. She and her husband raised three children and have enjoyed watching them grow up in the Meadville community.

Over the years, she has volunteered with various organizations. Marie worked in the social services field for 25 years, teaching Adult Basic Education (ABE) and serving as the coordinator of foster care and adoption services at a local nonprofit.

Since retiring, Maries has volunteered at the local food pantry and now very excited to serve on the board of St. James Haven, Inc. She believes the Haven’s mission is a valuable asset to Meadville and plays a vital role in supporting men within our community who are working towards improving their lives. ...

Welcome back for HEA

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St. James Haven

If you've been tuned into the Haven's posts, you've seen this name before. You may have even met them during last month's community dinner!

The Financial Care Partners team continues to be a wonderful community partner. From serving meals to serving the Haven's board, this crew always brings a "how can we help?" attitude. Thanks for all you do, FCP!

For more event information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit: stjameshaven.org/events/sound-off-for-st-james/ ...

If youve been tuned

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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