Keep the Shelter Open. Give Hope This Winter.
Help us raise the remaining $100,000 to provide 176 days of safe shelter for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
This winter, Pottstown Beacon of Hope’s Seasonal Shelter will open its doors from November 4 through April 30, providing 176 days of emergency shelter for adults experiencing homelessness.
Guests receive more than a safe place to sleep. They also receive evening meals, breakfast, transportation to essential resources, and connections to support that can help them move toward stability. Behind these services is a dedicated team of trained staff who work to provide a safe, structured environment throughout the winter.
While community partners and churches provide much of the food, PBOH covers additional food costs, cleaning supplies, and professional cleaning to sanitize the shelter after every night of operation. Beyond meeting immediate needs, we connect guests with community resources and support to help them work toward greater stability. Providing this care requires trained staff, dedicated volunteers, and essential operating resources. Three staff members serve at intake and two overnight. Staff and volunteers complete more than 40 hours of training in substance use, overdose response, de-escalation, mental health, medical emergencies, CPR, and more. We also hardwire CCTV security cameras at host churches to help protect guests and staff. Operating costs also include church rent, transportation and fuel, vehicle and liability insurance, cleaning, and other daily essentials. Together, these resources provide a safe, structured environment where adults experiencing homelessness can access care, connect with vital services, and take steps toward a more stable future.
It costs approximately $200,000 each year to operate the shelter, and thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, half has already been covered. Now, we’re challenging our community to help raise the remaining $100,000 to keep our shelter open.
Will you help us meet this challenge? Every gift brings us closer to our goal and helps ensure our neighbors have a warm, safe place to turn when they need it most. Together, we can make a meaningful difference this winter.
We are also in need of volunteers to help at our Seasonal Shelter! Click here to see where you can use your talents and help!