News

Reuse & Recycle at Opportunity House

One of the cornerstones of Opportunity House is its Reuse & Recycle Program. This program has helped to reuse, repurpose, and recycle over a million pounds of material including clothing, furniture, books, CDs, DVDs, shoes, belts, bedding, housewares, and small...

The Power of Life Skills Training–Opportunity House

A vital part of the S.M.I.L.E. program at Opportunity House is working to equip clients with valuable life skills training and abilities. Self-reliance is key for success and clients must be ready for the day they re-enter and start their journeys to become stably...

Opportunity House Opens Short-Term Housing for Families

With the impending winter storm, Opportunity House will provide a safe and warm place for homeless families to live this winter. Opportunity House announced that it has begun operating a short-term housing program on January 2, 2024. Recognizing the Need for...

Opportunity House Provides Short-Term Housing

Opportunity House Addresses Need for Short-Term Housing for Families in Berks County  Reading, Pennsylvania…With temperatures dropping and winter weather in the forecast, Opportunity House is embarking on a new project that will provide short-term housing for homeless...

Donated Items Help Homeless Veterans

Each year, Opportunity House provides emergency shelter for homeless Veterans.  The scars of war last far beyond their service and can impact their daily lives. Opportunity House provides a safe place for homeless Veterans to sleep, receive hot meals, showers, and...

Women Need Bras

This is a guest post from Michelle Conway, MBA, Executive Director of Student and Client Services at Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute.  Michelle is collecting sports bras for homeless women at Opportunity House and shares what motivated her to take on this...

S.M.I.L.E for Life

What are the skills clients need to become and remain stably housed?  The S.M.I.L.E program offers life skills and other essential tools to help clients succeed after they leave Opportunity House.   S.M.I.L.E stands for skills to master independent living and...

40 Years of Moving Forward

In 2024, we’ll celebrate our 40th anniversary of helping the homeless in Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania. While it’s nostalgic look back at all we’ve accomplished since 1984, we look forward to new ways to expand our program and enhance our services. This year...

Frank Grill Named Opportunity House Shelter Director

Opportunity House named Frank Grill, Shelter Director of the Organization. Frank graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance.  He also received his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Penn State. Frank has had a diverse...

Dori Bornstein Appointed as Chief People and Culture Officer

Opportunity House Appoints Dori Bornstein as Chief People and Culture Officer. Opportunity House named Dori Bornstein as Chief People and Culture Officer for the organization. She is the first person to hold this title in the organization’s history. Dori graduated...

SUCCESS STORY

Seeing Herself as a Homeless Woman–Opportunity House

When Amy* came to Opportunity House, she was looking for far more than shelter. She was looking to change her life. The biggest challenges she faced were her perceptions of homeless people. That’s what happened to addicts and lazy people—it wasn’t what she ever thought would happen to her.  She shares her experience and insights […]