Food Pantry: People come to our Food Pantry because they do not have enough money or food stamps. Some are disabled; some are unemployed or working part-time. Whatever the reasons, these are people living at the edge of financial existence. In 2000, more than 1,400 different households comprising nearly 3,500 people came in and 530 households were new to the Food Pantry this year.

Soup Kitchen: Since 1976 the Soup Kitchen has served the needy of the East End. The Soup Kitchen is open Monday through Friday, and is located at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church. In 2000 we served more than 25,000 meals. Since July 2000, the number of meals served has increased 31%. With the help of numerous volunteers and donations from many sources, we are able to serve full, hot, and nutritious meals; a long way from the soup, bread, butter and coffee we served in the beginning. 

Emergency Men's Shelter: Every night of the year, we provide homeless men with a bed, shower, laundry, a hot evening meal, breakfast and a safe haven from the street. Each man who comes to the Shelter is case managed by our caring, sympathetic staff. He is offered information, study or services in areas such as personal hygiene, Tuberculosis testing, HIV/AIDS counseling, life skills, Bible study and occupational therapy. The addition of a mental health outreach worker has added to the depth of our case management capabilities. Our daily opening time of 7:00 p.m. allows the men to relax more before to bedtime, and to interact more with staff and volunteers; and as a   result the Shelter has become a more peaceful place. Last year 9,121 total nights of shelter were provided to 480 different men. Unfortunately the demand for available space often exceeds the basic capacity of 24, necessitating the use of cots and mattresses.  

Drop-In Center: This is a comfortable, hospitable place for the homeless, mentally ill, and members of the community to gather and spend their afternoon and early evening hours. The Drop-In Center is located at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on the corners of Roup and Friendship Avenues in Friendship.  Counselors from mental health, medical facilities, drug and alcohol, and rehabilitation programs are available to help those at the Center prepare for self-sufficient living. The EECM Elderly Services program also uses this location to meet with and assist the elderly homeless. In 2000 we added a medical clinic staffed by the East Liberty Family Health Care Center. The Drop-on Center serves about 190 different clients per month, averaging 695 contacts for Emergency Men's Shelter intake, case management, health concerns, to meet with service providers, and just to socialize.   

Bridge Housing: This is a twelve-month residential program that provides a safe, supportive and affordable living space for homeless men who are making a transition from crisis shelter to independent living. Although subsidized, the clients pay a portion of their monthly income as a rental fee. Participants are expected to work steadily toward their goals, which they and the program staff have set for the year. The men have the common goal of learning to live a new life. This is achieved through one-on-one counseling, accountability and group work. The men have volunteered in the Soup Kitchen, for Meals on Wheels and other elderly programs, and for assorted tasks throughout EECM's operations. In 2000, ten men graduated, six failed and seven are continuing in the program.

PennFree: This is a voluntary twelve-month subsidized housing, support and counseling program for recovering male and female addicts and their families. Before they are accepted, we require prospective clients to demonstrate strong motivation. Through various meetings and one-on-one counseling, those who are accepted learn to live independently again or for the first time. The Case Manager ensures that the residents diligently participate in the counseling and meetings, and even makes periodic home visits. In 2000, 52 adults and 15 children were residents in PennFree. Fourteen completed the program, eight failed, one died and twenty-nine are continuing in the program. Graduates continue to use EECM's support services.

$Dollar Energy: Families facing utility turnoffs are helped through the $Dollar Energy program. If you have service through Duquesne Light, Equitable Gas, Dominion Peoples Gas, and the Pennsylvania American Water Company you may qualify for help through our $Dollar Energy program. Please call 412-361-5013 to set up an appointment. The Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) can also be of assistance to you. This program is administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and assistance with energy emergency situations is available 24 hours a day. Please call the Allegheny County Assistance Office at 412-562-0330 or 412-562-2148 for more information.