About Us
Maria House Project
Maria House Project
Maria House Project: A Sanctuary of Healing, Hope, and Redemption
At Maria House Project, we believe that no life is beyond God’s grace, no soul is too lost to be found, and no struggle is stronger than the power of redemption. Addiction does not define a person—faith, healing, and renewal do.
In this sacred space, people on the journey to recovery find refuge, restoration, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through compassionate guidance, spiritual nourishment, and unwavering support, Maria House Project serves as more than a treatment center—it is a home where brokenness meets mercy, where isolation transforms into fellowship, and where despair is replaced by hope.
Through faith-based programs, counseling, and community gatherings, lives are rebuilt from the ground up. The Lodge provides shelter, healing, and the strength to walk the path of recovery, while the chapel and spiritual leaders ensure that every individual is led closer to Christ. Weekly Masses, Bible studies, and guided reflections offer renewal, while heartfelt fellowship reminds each person that they are never alone in their journey.
Here, dignity is restored, chains are broken, and new beginnings are embraced. Maria House Project is more than a mission—it is a beacon of God’s love, a light in the darkness, and a testament to the power of faith and transformation.
Join us. Support us. Help us heal lives and lead souls home to Christ!
Maria House Project
History
The History of Maria House Project
History of Maria House Lodge
A 3-Step Venture Through Time At Maria House Lodge
01
Maria House Project
A Refuge for Renewal and Redemption
At Maria House Project, The Lodge stands as more than just a place of recovery—it is a sanctuary where brokenness is met with healing, where lives are restored, and where men rediscover their purpose.
Designed for those battling drug and alcohol addiction, as well as men transitioning from correctional facilities, The Lodge provides stability, structure, and unwavering support. It is built upon the belief that every individual holds dignity, strength, and the power to rebuild. Here, men are encouraged to make choices that empower them, develop personal responsibility, and step into lives of independence, faith, and fulfillment.
The vision for The Lodge was born from the compassionate heart of Fr. James Peterson, of the Diocese of Erie, PA. Recognizing the urgent need for emergency housing and faith-based recovery, he brought his vision to the Diocese—an appeal that was met with conviction and commitment. From that moment, Maria House Project became a beacon of hope, offering not only shelter but a lifeline to redemption.
Today, The Lodge continues to transform lives, helping men break free from addiction, rebuild their identities, and step into a future filled with possibility and grace.
02
Opening Doors & Maria House
A Vision Brought to Life
What began as a calling to serve soon became a mission that would transform lives forever. After witnessing the deep need for faith-based recovery and rehabilitation, Fr. James Peterson took a bold step—turning vision into action.
Determined to build a refuge for healing, he formed a nonprofit charitable corporation, ensuring that Maria House Project could provide essential care, spiritual guidance, and a path toward renewal for those in need. With the establishment of tax-exempt status, Maria House Project became more than just an idea—it became a force for change, a beacon of hope for men seeking freedom from addiction.
This mission was never meant to stand alone. It became a collaborative effort—bridging the support of the city, private sector, and dedicated individuals who believed in the power of redemption, dignity, and second chances. Together, they laid the foundation for a place where broken spirits could heal, faith could be restored, and lives could begin anew.
03
Expanding The Mission
Answering the Call for Greater Healing
From the moment Maria House Project opened its doors, it became clear that the need for faith-based recovery and shelter stretched beyond addiction alone. While many men sought refuge at Maria House, their journeys differed—some battling addiction, others simply in need of a safe haven and a fresh start.
As calls for assistance poured in, the team recognized a challenge: serving both homeless and addicted populations under one roof required a broader approach. While Maria House Project offered food, shelter, counseling, and support, some individuals needed different pathways to stability—ones outside the transitional housing model.
Thankfully, the same dedicated visionaries who provided the foundation for Maria House Project saw an opportunity to grow and serve even more lives. Working collaboratively with agencies and leaders across Erie and the greater Tri-State Area, they sought to create additional homes, expanded outreach, and greater accessibility to serve the most vulnerable members of the community.
Through their efforts, Maria House Project didn’t just adapt—it expanded, ensuring that more men could receive the care, shelter, and guidance they needed to step into a life of dignity, renewal, and faith.
Locations
2 Locations
The Lodge
The Lodge is the heart of healing at Maria House Project—a safe, supportive space where individuals seeking recovery can rebuild their lives with faith, structure, and guidance. Through live-in Christian recovery programs, residents find not only shelter but a path to renewal, surrounded by a community that uplifts, encourages, and fosters lasting transformation.
Here, recovery is more than overcoming addiction—it’s rediscovering hope, restoring dignity, and stepping into a future filled with possibility.
The Office
The Office is the brains of the body of service that comprises the Maria House Project. Behind every life-changing recovery journey, there’s a team ensuring everything runs smoothly. The Office is where the mission comes to life—coordinating programs, providing resources, and ensuring individuals receive the support they need. From outreach to logistics, this dedicated space keeps Maria House Project’s work moving forward with care, compassion, and purpose.
Take Action Now
You Are Not Alone—Hope Begins Here
If you’re struggling with addiction, know that your story is far from over. There is a path forward. At Maria House Project, we believe in new beginnings, second chances, and the incredible strength within you to heal and reclaim your life. Recovery is not about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s about finding support, rediscovering purpose, and building a future filled with possibility. Here, you are welcomed with open arms and without judgment—only understanding, compassion, and a commitment to helping you take that next step on your divine path of salvation. You are right where you need to be. You are right on time. Your journey matters. You matter. When you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, reach out. Let’s walk this path together, one day at a time. One step at a time. One moment at a time. One breath at a time.
Take Action Now
Call Us Today
Don’t wait any longer. Take action today and begin an exciting new journey to save your life, achieve your goals, and fulfill your life’s purpose. Let us guide you through the process and help you rediscover your true potential.
Meet The Team
Our dedicated team brings together a wide range of skills and expertise to facilitate exceptional outcomes for our community members. From creative visionaries to genius strategists, we work seamlessly together to meet and exceed annual goals and operational objectives.
Tim Joncas
Executive Director
“I realized that if Jesus was hiring, I should make myself available to do His will.”
– Tim Joncas
Read more about our new Executive Director by clicking on the following link:
Finding hope, second chances at Father Pete’s Maria House Lodge
Joe Tarquinio
Spiritual Director
“The stakeholders and referral sources of Maria House Project perceive that success of the program can be attributed to the spiritual component of the program, the respect and dignity in which the residents are treated and the overall spirit of care and concern provided from the leadership and staff of Maria House Project”
– Joe Tarquinio
Will Bergkamp
Counselor
Will provides counseling and administrative support for the community. Will has his degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. God has blessed Will with many gifts that he gives freely to the men and community members.