John Fausnaught fought back tears, as he reflected about his time being homeless.
 
"The hardest part is thinking no one cares," said Fausnaught.  "It's tough out there because it's a cruel world,  but they have good people in Erie."
 
After receiving services from the Mental Health Association, Fausnaught was able to get back on his feet.
 
"I didn't have nothing," said Fausnaught.  "They helped me out."
 
The organization is now helping out a fellow non-profit.
 
This winter, St. Patrick's Haven will run its emergency overnight shelter in the lower-level of the Mental Health Association.
 
The two organizations will offer 20 beds for men who have nowhere else to go.
 
"In Erie, at any given time, there are roughly 1000 to 1100 homeless individuals, and so it's very important to have places for them to go," said St. Patrick's Haven executive director Betsy Wiest.  "Winter is coming, and as you know in Erie, winters are brutal and to have 20 men off the streets in a warm safe, dry place is huge."
 
Last month, St. Patrick's Haven was heavily damaged by fire.
 
Crews are working to get the shelter back up and running.
 
"We're just thankful to provide this space," said Mental Health Association CEO Pat Stucke.  "We will continue to do so until St. Patrick's Haven is up and running again."
 
Both organizations will continue to offer services to the homeless members of our community.
Fausnaught describes the assistance as crucial.
 
"People don't understand mental illness," said Fausnaught.  "People go through a lot mentally.  People who are normal don't understand that.  They think, hey? What's wrong with them?  Well, be in their shoes one day for a little bit.  You'll find out."
 
This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.