News
Bianca Ruiz has been named Director of the S.M.I.L.E program at Opportunity House.
Bianca Ruiz has been named Director of the S.M.I.L.E program at Opportunity House. In this role, Ruiz is responsible for program development of the S.M.I.L.E program. This program is a key component of the Opportunity House Shelter Services. S.M.I.L.E. stands for...
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...
SUCCESS STORY
Alvin’s Story: From Despair to Gratitude –Opportunity House
Alvin was never afraid of hard work. After growing up in Douglassville, Alvin began his career at Gudebrod in Pottstown. When the plant closed, he began working at Stanley Flagg. Eventually, he got a job loading trucks at Boscov’s Department Store. Alvin always lived in the home grew up in. When his mother died in […]