Opportunity House welcomed U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan to Opportunity House on Friday for a tour of the facility and to visit with the residents of the emergency shelter. Rep. Houlahan also took time to visit with the children and the staff of the Second Street Learning Center.
The event gave the lawmaker an opportunity to hear firsthand from those impacted by homelessness and poverty. Many of the Opportunity House shelter residents are employed but have been unable to find a job that provides a living wage or housing that is affordable. Though they see living in the shelter as a temporary step, many of these individuals will return at least once on their journey out of homelessness. The Second Street Learning Center offers subsidized childcare for over 150 families in Reading. The Learning Center cares for children ranging in age from 6 weeks old to age 13.
“Opportunity House provides safety and stability to our emergency shelter residents. Our STAR 4 childcare center provides quality daycare and education for the children we serve and their families. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, we are able to provide both programs with very little financial resources,” President Modesto Fiume said. “We provide the best quality of care for the people we serve but the concern is that without additional funding both programs will be unable to continue to support the growing needs of the City of Reading.”
“As a veteran, the care of our community members who have bravely served our nation is paramount to me,” said Houlahan. “Opportunity House is a tremendous resource for our unhoused neighbors, especially veterans, and I’m thankful for the chance to see this valuable service firsthand. For decades, Opportunity House has helped Berks County residents get on their feet by providing housing stability. I heard from residents there about how low-paying jobs and rising rent prices have played a significant role in delaying their financial independence. I will continue pursuing solutions to these pressing issues down in Washington and thank all of the staff members who have dedicated their careers to serving those who have served our nation.”
