A Commitment that hasn't wavered...
For more than 30 years, Housing Authority of the City of Erie has shown what it means to lead by example. Through United Way of Erie County’s Workplace Campaign, local companies and organizations rally their teams to give back, supporting efforts that strengthen our community through employee contributions. As an added incentive, employees who give more than $156 annually are entered to win a range of prizes made possible by generous partners, including $3,000 in Wegmans gift cards, a $1,000 Country Fair gift card, overnight stays at Peek'n Peak Resort and Splash Lagoon, and season tickets for two to the Erie SeaWolves and Erie Otters. For the past three years, someone from HACE has taken home that prize, a reflection of their consistency, generosity, and commitment.
That consistency starts with a shared purpose.
As Executive Director Dusti Dennis explains, “The United Way’s mission closely aligns with the mission of the Housing Authority. Both organizations are committed to strengthening our community and supporting individuals and families in need.” That alignment has helped sustain a remarkable tradition of 100% employee participation, year after year.
That level of engagement doesn’t happen by chance. It’s been built over time, rooted in leadership and reinforced through thoughtful incentives. Dusti credits former leaders John Horan and Michael Fraley for establishing a culture where giving back was expected and encouraged. Today, that culture continues through initiatives that reward participation, like additional personal time for employees who meet giving thresholds, bonus half-days when campaign goals are reached, and small incentives that keep momentum strong. But beyond the perks, it’s the shared belief in making a difference that keeps participation at 100%.
HACE’s support continues to grow each year because they see the impact firsthand.
Their work, providing safe, affordable housing and promoting economic self-sufficiency, intersects directly with the work of United Way Community Schools. “United Way complements this work by providing critical resources to low-income children,” Dusti said. “These are resources that are invaluable to many of the families we support, who are often facing daily financial challenges.”
That connection fuels their commitment. Investing in initiatives like Community Schools doesn’t just meet immediate needs, it helps build long-term stability for families across Erie. And for HACE, that’s what it’s all about: showing up, giving back, and helping create a stronger foundation for the community they serve.