Triangle of Hope takes root

by Kristine Rilling
09/15/2026

A vision announced just a few months ago is now taking shape as the Triangle of Hope begins its transformation from concept into community impact.

For generations, the former St. Paul School in Erie’s Little Italy neighborhood was more than a building. It was a place where faith was nurtured, friendships were formed and generations of families learned the importance of serving God and neighbor. Today, that legacy is being carried forward as the property is renewed for a new chapter of service and support.

Sacred Heart Parish and its mission church, St. Paul, donated the former St. Paul School and adjacent property to the Mazzini Charitable Foundation, while Mercy Center for Women acquired the former Sacred Heart School. In partnership with BUILD Community Development Corporation, these organizations are moving forward with plans to transform the former parish schools into spaces dedicated to housing, nourishment, connection and opportunity.

“This project is deeply personal to me,” said Tim NeCastro, president of The Mazzini Charitable Foundation and longtime St. Paul’s parishioner.

“I was one of six children growing up in this neighborhood, and my family faced food insecurity and many of the same challenges we hope to address through the Triangle of Hope. I have been taught to live my faith. By placing these buildings in service to our neighbors, we continue Christ's mission and honor the generations who built this community.”

The Triangle of Hope brings together three complementary ministries: the St. Paul’s Neighborhood Center, which will provide meals, job training, counseling and shared nonprofit services; Mercy Center West at Sacred Heart, which will offer permanent supportive housing and programs for men, women and children; and Washington Square Apartments, developed by BUILD CDC in partnership with Hamot Health Foundation to provide housing and support for chronically homeless men.

“As an inner-city parish family, we have poor and homeless folks knocking at our door on a regular basis,” said Father Steve Schreiber, pastor. “Sadly, we cannot always provide the meaningful, long-term assistance that they need. God bless the Mercy Center for Women and the Mazzini Foundation. We talk in the Church about the corporal works of mercy. Those groups are bringing Christ to the poor in beautiful and tangible ways.”

With planning underway and work progressing, the Triangle of Hope is beginning to take root – restoring meaningful spaces while creating new pathways of hope, stability and dignity for the community for generations to come.

Learn more at https://stpaulsneighborhoodcenter.org