Helping Hands Homeless Shelter was created not only in response to a growing need in Erie County, but from a lifelong commitment to service, community, and human dignity.

Founder Joe Cancilla grew up in North East, Pennsylvania, just outside of Erie — but Erie was never unfamiliar. Joe’s aunt, Kathleen “Kitty” Cancilla, founded a homeless shelter on East 26th Street that would later grow into a cornerstone of the local social services system, eventually operating out of the Columbus School building in Little Italy. Joe’s father served as an Emergency Shelter Director for 20 out of his 40 years of service at Community Shelter, and from the time Joe was about 14 years old, the shelter became part of his life.

On days off from school and throughout the summers, Joe volunteered alongside staff and family — sorting donations, helping in the office, watching the playroom, and assisting in the kitchen. Those early experiences shaped his understanding of homelessness not as a statistic, but as people — families, individuals, and neighbors — who simply needed stability, compassion, and opportunity.

As an adult, Joe continued giving back through board service and community leadership, always staying connected to nonprofit and social impact work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, after being laid off and facing an unexpected pauses in his career, Joe took time to reflect on what the next chapter of his life should be. The answer became clear: to return to the work that had always mattered most — serving others and strengthening his community.

Helping Hands Homeless Shelter was born from that reflection. Built on firsthand experience and guided by years of leadership, Helping Hands is designed to do more than provide a bed for the night. The organization is committed to restoring stability, dignity, and hope through compassionate, community-based care — offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive services, and clear pathways toward independence.

Helping Hands exists because homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring — and because every person deserves not only shelter, but the support and opportunity to rebuild their life.

Hope Starts Here