If you’re making plans for giving and want to focus on homeless shelters, you may be wondering about the best way to donate money to them. The first step should be identifying the organizations that do the most good and use donations responsibly. Opportunity House is an example of a homeless shelter that is most deserving of your assistance.
Opportunity House provides emergency shelter to men, women, and families who are experiencing homelessness. We also offer programs designed to help them overcome the impediments to securing permanent housing. Case management, supportive housing, early childhood education services, a reuse/recycle program, and a retail thrift store comprise the additional programs we provide – all related to the ultimate mission of helping the homeless population of Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Donating Financially to Opportunity House
Reputable homeless shelters like Opportunity House will accept financial donations in many ways. We accept donations online, as a one-time or recurring gift, or by checks dropped in the mail. Donors can also give via check, cash, or credit card at the shelter, at OppShop, or at one of our annual fundraising events.
Donations can be designated as a tribute to a lost loved one, an admired mentor, or a family member. A donation often marks milestones like graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and more to Opportunity House. You can trust our discretion if you prefer your donation to remain anonymous.
Attending a fundraiser held by Opportunity House is another way to give financially. Buy tickets to our annual Garden Party Celebration; Souper Bowl; Wine, Women, and Shoes Event; or Golf Outing to support the mission of our organization. We also welcome volunteers to donate their time to plan, organize, or serve related to these events.
When clients arrive at Opportunity House, we supply them with items they need, so we’re always seeking donations of new, packaged items in all of the following categories:
- Underclothes for men and women
- Tshirts, tanks, and other shirts
- Underwear (boxers, briefs, boxer-briefs, and panties)
- Sports bras
- Socks
- Toiletries
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Hairbrushes and combs
- Soaps and lotions
- Nail clippers
- Washcloths and towels
- Bed sheets
- Feminine hygiene products
- Bladder control products
- Cold weather clothing
- Jackets and coats
- Toboggans and gloves
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatpants and sweatshirts
- Hoodies and joggers
- Yoga pants
- Winter boots
- Baby essentials
- Diapers and wipes
- Bottles
- Bottled water (most pressing need during summer months)
Another way to donate financially to Opportunity House is indirect. Donating used goods to our thrift store, OppShop, helps our work proceed. The profits from the retail store go toward Opportunity House, and we provide residents with vouchers to shop for their own clothing needs in the space.
We accept used goods without damage, wear, stains, or other conditions that would make them unsaleable. Bring us gently used clothing, media in their original cases, kitchenware, seasonal and holiday items, furniture, jewelry, flatscreen TVs, purses/bags, shoes, and toys that can become part of the inventory here at OppShop.
Now that you know how to donate money, time, and items to Opportunity House, the standout among homeless shelters in Pennsylvania, we urge you to do so. Homelessness affects us all, but through Opportunity House, we can reach out to those experiencing the situation with services and programs to overcome it.
