SAM | Shelter Area Meadvile
Shelter Area Meadville (SAM) was created to protect the unhoused adult population and provide overnight shelter from the inclement weather. The idea of SAM has lingered for years, but the deep-rooted planning and organization began following conversation at a Crawford County Coalition on Housing Needs meeting in September of 2024. The SAM coalition, which is composed of housing advocates and agencies, worked diligently to solidify partnerships, complete the planning process, locate a host site, and train volunteers in just 2 short months.
EUMA has successfully operated a similar program (ONP) in Erie County for 13 years and brought this program, assets and leadership to Crawford County on November 16th of 2024. Thanks to Family Children and Community Association offering to be the host site, Shelter Area Meadville was able to officially launch a pilot program that began on November 15th, 2024 and will run through March 31st, 2025. Shelter Area Meadville is activated when the temperature is projected to be 25 degrees or below with or without wind chill. When activated, SAM is open from 8pm until 8 am. SAM is staffed by dedicated "partners" or adult volunteers who were trained and believe in the mission of SAM. SAM is able to provide life sustaining immediate needs: shelter, food, and clothing. In addition to a safe and warm shelter space, SAM provides a cot and blankets, boot warming, phone charging station, and connection with other local resources.