The Shelter

About Us

Mission & History
Officers, Board Members, Administration
Power Point Presentation about OH statistics

Programs

Programs
The Shelter

This is our original community service and the reason for the name we hold today: Opportunity House. However, it is much more than the “soup kitchen with beds” that began as a mission of local churches in 1984 to keep men from freezing to death on the streets of Reading.

Ten years after first opening its doors, the Board of Directors decided to further the mission by helping homeless adults and families create better futures for themselves—while still meeting the immediate needs for food and shelter.

Today, our homeless clients are held accountable for the time they spend with us and must work with our case management team to create a goal plan for self-sufficiency. We no longer house, for more than a few days, able-bodied and able-minded individuals or families with no desire to become independent members of our community.

And it is working! Since 1998, 93% of families who stay engaged in our programs for 90 days or more are successfully transitioning back into the community! The same holds true for 84% of single men and 82% of single women!

If you or someone you know is in need of shelter and guidance to create a new life of independence, please call the Opportunity House at (610) 374-4696 ext. 230.

Benefits Offered

COUNSELING – one-on-one interaction with clients to help set goals and break them down into manageable steps.
MONEY MANAGEMENT – all clients are required to save 85% of their income in a client savings account to allow case managers the opportunity to teach needed budgeting skills, clear old debt and prepare for independent living.
LIFE SKILLS CURRICULUM – Required classes offering instruction in topics such as interpersonal skills, anger management, money management, parenting skills, health and nutrition.
AFTERCARE – For those who move back into the community, continued counseling and money management services give them the ability to stay in contact with their case manager, offering assistance when it is needed so that long-term self-sufficiency is encouraged.
SHELTER – mens dormitory, women and childrens dormitory and family shelter offering safe beds, laundry and shower facitilies.
KITCHEN – all meals provided, with most evening meals purchased, cooked and served by volunteers

Opportunity House is located in Reading, Pennsylvania and serves residents of Berks County. Our goal is to help families and adults become and remain independent members of our community.