Federal funding will expand HACE’s security camera network and support ongoing efforts to keep residents, families and neighborhoods safe.
ERIE, Pa. — The Housing Authority of the City of Erie (HACE) has been awarded $250,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program to expand security camera coverage at HACE communities. HACE received notification of the award on Monday, August 3, from HUD’s Public and Indian Housing Office of Capital Improvements.
In its award notification, HUD commended HACE for its efforts “to ensure the health and safety of your public housing residents and to improve their quality of life.” The funding will allow HACE to install additional security cameras in locations where enhanced monitoring can help support resident safety and assist law enforcement.
“Our goal is to mitigate the negative impact of several emerging threats and increase the safety and security of our residents,” HACE Executive Director Dusti Dennis said. “We have witnessed concerning trends in the last couple of years that warrant emergency funding for security cameras to address emerging safety concerns, including trespassing, unsafe driving, illegal dumping, and other incidents that can impact residents’ safety and quality of life.”
Based on crime data and input from law enforcement, HACE requested the full $250,000 available through the program to strengthen its security camera network and better equip its Community-Oriented Policing and Probation Services (COPPS) Team. One area where additional camera coverage will be especially beneficial is Harbor Homes, where Erie Police have documented incidents involving speeding, drag racing, and vehicles doing burnouts through the development.
“We have a dangerous issue at Harbor Homes right now with speeding and drag racing that is causing significant safety concerns,” said Corporal Mike Roofner, who leads the Erie Police Department’s Quebec Unit. Children under 18 make up about 50% of Harbor Homes residents and 53% of Harbor Homes Annex residents, for a combined 558 children.
“Multiple cars have been racing and doing burnouts through the development,” Roofner said. “While the COPPS Unit has been able to locate some of these incidents on camera, they are unable to capture license plates. Increased security cameras at Harbor Homes, in addition to other locations, will help resolve this issue and increase the safety of the youth who cross the street to access the playgrounds.”
Roofner noted that children frequently cross roadways within the development and that vehicles have struck pedestrians in the past. “If one of the racing cars were to be involved, the injury would most likely be fatal, due to the speeds involved,” he said. “The installation of these security cameras will help us prevent and enforce measures in response to criminal activity that threatens the safety and security of Housing Authority residents.”
A Longstanding Community Policing Partnership
The new technology will complement a community policing partnership that HACE has maintained for nearly three decades. Since 1997, HACE has partnered with the Erie Police Department’s Quebec Unit and Erie County Probation and Parole to fund six dedicated police officers and two dedicated probation officers — one for adult probation and one for juvenile probation — to serve Housing Authority communities through the COPPS initiative.
“The purpose of the unit is to engage in a community policing model that breaks down barriers between police and residents as they work hand in hand to make our neighborhoods safer,” Dennis said. COPPS officers regularly walk through HACE apartment communities, conduct patrols, participate in crime prevention initiatives, and take part in neighborhood gatherings and community events.
“Our officers know residents by name,” Dennis said. “As a result, children and residents have positive experiences with the officers, and the officers have a better understanding of the needs of the residents. The COPPS Team has been a model of community policing, and we are happy to continue this partnership.”
The $250,000 HUD award will provide HACE and its law enforcement partners with additional tools to support that work, help deter unsafe activity, strengthen monitoring capabilities, and enhance the safety of residents and families throughout HACE communities.
About the Housing Authority of the City of Erie
The Housing Authority of the City of Erie provides quality affordable housing opportunities while working to strengthen neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for the individuals and families it serves. Through housing programs, resident services, and community partnerships, HACE is committed to creating safe, stable, and supportive communities throughout the City of Erie.
Media Contact:
Dusti Dennis
dennisd@hace.org
814-452-2425
