POTTSTOWN — The Reading-based Opportunity House agency has expanded its services to Pottstown, providing emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Individuals living in encampments and tent cities in Pottstown have been offered a warm place to stay this winter at a local hotel. In addition to shelter, individuals can access hot meals and crucial case management services.
Opportunity House has long been serving those in need, providing emergency shelter since 1984. Annually, the agency assists over 500 individuals by offering temporary shelter and case management services. Its primary goal is to stabilize individuals and families and help them find permanent housing solutions.
“We bring 40 years of experience to the area to address this critical issue and find lasting solutions,” Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House, said in a press release sent to readingnews.us.
“Providing comprehensive case management is paramount to overcoming the barriers that may prevent individuals from securing stable housing,” said Fiume.
He emphasized that Opportunity House's case management team works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and connect them with essential community resources. Clients establish personal goals and develop a tailored plan to achieve housing stability.
Case managers provide ongoing support throughout the process by facilitating access to mental health services, healthcare, drug and alcohol treatment programs, assistance with job applications and resumes, apartment searches, and guidance on navigating housing programs and other government services.
Clients at the shelter expressed immense gratitude for having a warm and safe place to stay this winter. “I am incredibly thankful. I won't ever take anything for granted,” shared Shawn, a 44-year-old client experiencing chronic homelessness due to congestive heart failure and a pacemaker.
Heather and Dave, facing eviction due to an unaffordable rent increase, were forced to resort to couch surfing before residing in the tent city. Dave, who uses a wheelchair, found navigating the tent city extremely challenging. “We were among the first to get a room, and this has made a significant difference in our lives. We can now bathe and get regular meals.”
Having access to private funding was the catalyst to begin providing shelter for those in need in the community. After their initial meeting, Opportunity House began providing short-term housing solutions to address the immediate need. Longer-term plans include working with the borough and county to fund this initiative.
Beyond providing emergency shelter, Opportunity House operates a Keystone 4-star Early Childhood Learning Center, offering programs for newborns, preschoolers, and school-age after-school care. The Pre-K Counts program ensures that every child meets the requirements for kindergarten. Over 125 families benefit from this program, receiving high-quality daycare while enabling parents to pursue employment and build economic stability for their families.
Opportunity House also provides long-term support through its permanent housing programs, offering supportive care for more than 100 clients.
Furthermore, the Reuse and Recycle program, which includes the OppShop retail thrift store, plays a vital role in the community by providing affordable clothing and household goods while minimizing environmental impact. In fiscal year 2023, their efforts diverted 1,041,000 pounds of materials from landfills.
“Our mission is to empower individuals to improve their lives,” emphasized Fiume. “Every aspect of our work is dedicated to achieving this singular goal.”