Community Shelter Services Executive Director Diane Lazette put it best.
"We are 24/7", she said. "Our work never stops."
She's referring to the assistance that is needed to help Erie's homeless population, something that has been brought to the forefront as several migrant children have arrived in Erie.
Regardless of whether a child or adult, Lazette believes it's important to assist any person without a home right away. "We try to put them in an area that will be most conducive to themselves and maybe their children", she said.
Eddie Martin, case manager for the Erie City Mission, had a similar response. He feels for the children arriving in Erie who may feel uncertainty or hopeless - similar to the rest of the homeless population - as they spend their first nights away from the southern border.
"It's kind of a scary thing when you're homeless for the first time", said Martin. "You're going in, you're not sure. First you have that feeling that "I'm defeated. I can't move forward.""
In other words, both see connections between the recently arrived children and current homeless population.
But there are ways Martin and Lazette both say the Erie community can help anyone in need, regardless of age, gender, race, or background.
Help, they say, comes in many forms. Naturally, materials, such as blankets, pillows, and snacks, are always appreciated.
But whether it's through faith based leadership, business assistance, or the willingness to have a conversation, both Lazette and Martin attest that emotional needs, in most cases, are greater than material needs.
"It's neighbors helping neighbors", Lazette said. "We can all give. And if it isn't financially, maybe it's of your time."
"The biggest thing when someone is coming in is to build that relationship of confidence and know that we are here to support you", Martin added. "Not to tell you what you need or did, but to be able to listen to you and respond to your needs."
Despite varying political opinions, shelter leaders remain confident that the Erie community will be able to successfully assist both the migrant children (in the allowed capacity) and the standing homeless population.
"Erie is great for helping those in need", said Martin. "Our businesses, and our agencies, even other entities, we are there to be able top support anyone within the Erie community."
"It doesn't matter your age, or your color", Lazette said. "We're here for everyone."