Deniko Red and Charlie Birrittier are currently experiencing homelessness.
 
"Being homeless is something that can destroy you, but it can also build you up to be stronger," said Red.  "It teaches you how to survive."
 
As winter approaches, both Deniko and Charlie rely on the Upper Room of Erie to protect them from the elements.
 
"Being homeless in the winter time is really, really rough," said Red.  "It can really cause a lot of pain to your body, to your mind, and even your spirit."
 
"Being homeless is very difficult," said Birrittier.  "In our state of mind, we be thinking it's easy, but really it's not."
 
Since 1995, the Upper Room has served as Erie's daytime emergency shelter for people who have no where else to go.  
 
"We do whatever we can to help," said Upper Room executive director Dr. Cris Taylor.  "We don't judge or we don't take a look at what is your problem?  Instead, we look at how we can help you with whatever that is."
 
At night, the unhoused population can rely on Our Neighbors' Place.
 
Run by Erie United Methodist Alliance, Our Neighbors' Place serves as a nighttime overflow shelter in the winter.
 
This year, the organization is in need of volunteers.
 
"In the past two years since the pandemic, Erie United Methodist Alliance has provided some support staff who had been paid, but that's going to be greatly decreased this year, and we're back to a volunteer base," said Our Neighbors' Place coordinator Pat Tracy.  "That means we need volunteers in the middle of the night, once again."
 
Both Deniko and Charlie say there is a great need for both shelters.
 
"You got a choice," said Red.  "Either you're going to starve yourself, or you're going to actually go to these places and you're going to eat. You're going to feel comfortable at any of these places because they welcome you with open arms."
 
Our Neighbors' Place runs from November 16-April 4.
 
This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.