Donate Items to Opportunity House

To arrange for pickup of your gently used furniture please call 484-957-3861
Furniture donation guidelines can be found HERE

We Make Donating Easy

Please take your gently-used items to OppShop located at 3045 5th Street Highway, Muhlenberg Township.  Donations are accepted at the door behind the store, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.

Opportunity House OppShop

Opportunity House has multiple donation bins around the county that are accessible 24/7 for you to drop off your clothing, shoes, CDs, DVDs and books. Please do not leave items outside of the bins.

 

Donation Drop-Off Box Near Reading, PA Bin Locations

Donations for things to be used at the shelter can be dropped off at the shelter door at 430 N. 2nd Street, Reading, PA 19601. Please knock and a shelter staff member can assist you.

To find out what items are needed at the shelter please call the shelter desk at (610) 374-4696 ext. 221 or email info@opphouse.org or or download our Shelter Wish List

Donating items at homeless shelter

Donation Pickup Request

Please complete this form if you would like to donate items that need to be picked up.

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    Please allow 7-10 days for pick-up.

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    For donation receipts and general guidelines for donating furniture please select the buttons below.

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    Tips for Donating Items to a Homeless Shelter

    • Pack the items in a sturdy box or bag
    • Pack items that go together in the same container
    • Keep pairs of shoes together by putting pairs in a bag or tie laces together
    • Make sure breakable items are protected
    • Check the pockets to make sure you have removed receipts or other personal items

    What are the Biggest Needs of Homeless People? 

    It’s not always obvious what homeless people or homeless shelters need most. As you contemplate contributing to our cause, please consider the following items. Your donations can go a long way in improving the well-being of individuals in very challenging circumstances: 

    Toiletries

    • Toothpaste and Toothbrushes. Basic oral hygiene products are often taken for granted, but they hold immense importance for those without a stable living situation. Your donation of toothpaste and toothbrushes can bring smiles to faces that have endured hardships.
    • Shampoo. Access to clean, personal hygiene products can restore a sense of normalcy for people experiencing homelessness. We request shampoo in plastic bottles only to ensure safety, practicality and convenience.
    • Liquid Body Wash.  Liquid body wash offers a more hygienic option over bar soap for maintaining cleanliness, making it an essential item to donate.
    • Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors for Men and Women: Personal grooming can often be overlooked in dire circumstances. Your donation of shaving cream and disposable razors empowers individuals to care for themselves with dignity.

    Clothing

    • Men’s T-shirts and underwear (in sizes M, L, XL, XXL)
    • Women’s underwear (in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL)

    Clothing items like these are crucial for providing comfort and dignity for homeless people with limited wardrobes.

    Menstrual Supplies

    • Tampons
    • Disposable or Reusable Pads

    Lack of access to menstrual supplies is a very serious issue for those experiencing homelessness.  When girls and women don’t have access to the menstrual supplies they need, they avoid going to school or going to work.  By providing these our female clients are confident, comfortable and can continue to move forward on their journey from homelessness..

    Infant and Toddler Supplies

    When people think of what homeless shelters need most, many never consider babies, infants, toddler and small children as part of the homeless population staying at Opportunity House. Our smallest clients depend on your support to provide diapers in all sizes while their parents can focus on providing safe, stable housing for them.

    • Diapers and Pull Ups: For families with young children, diapers (sizes 2, 3, and up) and pull-ups (in all sizes) are indispensable. These items relieve parents of one of their most pressing concerns, allowing them to focus on rebuilding their lives.

     

    By generously donating these items to Opportunity House, you extend a lifeline of care to those facing adversity. Your contribution resonates beyond the physical items; it sends a powerful message of compassion, reminding our clients that their community stands with them. 

    To find out what needs are currently most pressing at our shelter, please call our Main Office at 610-374-4696 ext. 221

    How Does Donating Items to the OppShop Help? 

    Did you know that your donations of gently used clothing and household items to OppShop directly benefit Opportunity House? When you donate items such as clothing, shoes, belts, jackets, coats, and sneakers, you’re making a significant impact on the lives of our clients. At Opportunity House, these items are more than material possessions—they represent a pathway to autonomy and control for individuals navigating the challenges of homelessness.  You can find the OppShop at 3045 N 5th Street, Reading.

    When clients arrive at our shelter in need of clothing, we provide transportation to OppShop. At OppShop, they can choose their essential clothing items at no cost, providing them a sense of independence and empowerment during an otherwise stressful time. Your donations provide clean, gently used clothing that restores dignity and fosters hope among shelter participants. 

    Donations to homeless shelter

    Creating Impact Through Contribution 

    Your donations don’t just provide physical items; they create a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of those in need. As you consider contributing to Opportunity House, remember that your support extends far beyond the items themselves. It represents hope, dignity, and the promise of a brighter future for individuals experiencing homelessness in Berks County. Together, we can make a difference and uplift our community, one donation at a time. 

    Other Ways to Help

    A Legacy of Compassion and Support 

    Since in 1984, Opportunity House has been a steadfast refuge for men, women, families, and veterans experiencing homelessness. Beyond emergency shelter, we are committed to offering supportive and permanent housing to individuals on their journey to recovery. 

    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 […]