About Erwin Home

History

When Cornelius Erwin died in 1885, his will provided for purchasing land and building a home for - as his will says - "worthy women of limited means."

The Erwin home was to be administered by South Church of New Britain, and residents would have individual apartments where they lived independently and provided for themselves, but were relieved of heavy financial burden.

The 24 apartments in the original building were first rented in 1891, and the women who occupied them paid approximately $2 per month for 2 small rooms - a living room and a "chamber" with a small stove, sink, pantry and closets.

Major expansions in 1971 and 1973 brought the Erwin to 65 individual apartments, and recent expansion to the buildings across from The Erwin Home have added additional housing intended for women with families.

Today, South Church continues to manage the Erwin Home - as it has since 1892 - with a commitment to the privacy, comfort and security of its residents, not as a money-making proposition.