FAQS
How many men and women experiencing homelessness has the PBoH helped?
This winter season alone, we have assisted 16 guests secure housing, and have served 116 unique individuals thus far, all proving Pottstown eligibility.
Over the last three winter seasons:
Over 40 of our guests found permanent housing.
We have assisted over 40 individuals get into inpatient drug or alcohol treatment programs.
We have filled a bed, keeping someone off the street, over 10,000 times.
PBoH is working on fulfilling our mission to help our neighbors move from homelessness to secure housing.
How many guests can stay at the PBoH Warming Center at St. Paul’s U.C.C.?
The PBoH Warming Center can shelter 35 guests per night.
Is PBoH Operating Illegally?
No, we are allowed to remain open during the appeal of the cease and desist order under Stay of Proceedings under the Municipalities Planning Code section 915.1 (a)
Pottstown Beacon of Hope is able to operate our facility while a zoning request and appeal are in process.
Is PBoH asking to change the Ordinance in the North End?
NO! We are asking for temporary relief for zoning until our permanent 24/7 shelter is open.
Did PBoH consult with the Pottstown School District prior to opening the Warming Center at St. Paul’s Church?
Prior to opening, we met with Stephen Rodriguez, Pottstown School District Superintendent. It was then we agreed to transport our guests away from St. Paul’s and the neighborhood no later than 7:30 am each morning. We drive them to Pottstown Recovery Learning Center (PRLC), where they are provided a day program around mental health and recovery.
How do men and women experiencing homeless get a bed at the Warming Center?
Our Check-In and intake process takes place off site at Christs Episcopal Church each night. For all new intakes we have them fill out an intake packet, verify Pottstown eligibility, run their info through a Megan’s Law check, and check for outstanding warrants. Pottstown eligibility verification is physical proof of their ties to the community, such as mail, pay stubs, or benefits which are all associated and linked to a physical address which we can check, or established (24+ months) medical or psychiatric care within the community. We do not allow anyone in whose name is on the Megan’s Law registry (in 3 years we have had just 3 intakes show up on that list). If/when a new intake has outstanding warrants, we reach out to the police and let them know.
After intake/check-in, we transport all our nightly guests to St. Paul’s UCC, and we do not allow any walk-up services. Each night we have 2 trained staff members on-site, supervising the guests throughout the night. Our staff members are trained in de-escalation, mental health crisis, Narcan administration, CPR/AED, suicide prevention/protocol, healthy boundaries, and local services available.
Does PBoH work collaboratively with existing services?
Yes, we collaborate with the following: Creative Health • Community Health & Dental •Pottstown Works • Access Services •Montgomery County Dept. of Public Safety • MCORT • Montgomery County Mobile Crisis • Street Medicine • Pottstown Works • Elmwood Staffing • Genesis Housing • Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities • TCN Homeless Services. We collaborate weekly with the Tower Health Street Medicine program.
Over 200 guests were connected to urgent medical help, and over 120 have been connected with a primary care physician, saving Emergency Services dollars to the community.
Do shelters decrease property values?
In just one instance of many around a local shelter in Phoenixville, the average home price rose 8.8 percent from 2019–2023 in the block surrounding St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter. In a randomized study of houses within a ½ mile of the shelter, prices for the same time frame rose 4.8%. (Statistics were compiled from the Realtor.com webpage.)
Kevin Gillen, a Philadelphia economist, studied neighborhood impact around Project HOME’s 15 supportive housing residences throughout Philadelphia and found: “Neighboring properties around the housing facilities had accrued $1,700 in annual value — even beyond broader neighborhood trends.”-Washington Post, by Terrence McCoy
Do shelters help?
Phoenixville has often been held up as a model of revitalization and economic progress. There are 5 shelters located in Phoenixville, which is a bit smaller than Pottstown. These shelters provide security and help individuals save money so they can obtain stable, independent housing. In addition, Phoenixville has social services located on the main street and the shelters are within a few blocks of downtown where guests can receive the help they need to move towards permanent housing.
Are there other shelters in Montgomery County?
Yes. We collaborate with Montgomery County Shelters each week to make sure our residents have a place to stay warm near their family, medical doctors, and support services. Other communities in Montgomery County also work hard to protect their neighbors. Lansdale, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting are just some of the locations.
When the shelter in Norristown closed, didn’t all those people come here?
The Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) was closed in June 2022. The shelter was leased and located on county property, which was sold. That shelter had 40 beds and was full nearly every night, all year-round. When they closed, Resources for Human Development (RHD, the operators of said shelter), contracted with a hotel in Montgomery County, renting 38 rooms to continue to house the folks they serve.
Does North Coventry Township allow a shelter under the Greater Municipality Plan?
On paper yes, however, an organization must apply every year if they want to set up an emergency shelter and cannot operate in North Coventry for more than 30 days a year. We keep people warm and dry in the evenings for over 180 days per year until we open 365 days a year. This winter so far, we have had 44 dangerously cold nights where people’s health is at risk outside. The county declared 32 evenings of “Code Blue” where the wind chill or temperature was below 20 degrees F.
North Coventry Township Zoning Codes:
TEMPORARY SHELTER
“A building or part thereof operated, without charge to the users thereof, as a temporary shelter for persons who lack fixed, regular, and/or adequate nighttime residences, operating from 10:00 p.m. through 8:00 a.m., during periods of inclement weather conditions. Such use shall only be permitted as an accessory use by special exception pursuant to § 370-36D. [Added 12-28-2009] 370-36D5. No building shall be utilized as a temporary shelter more than 30 days during any calendar year, with at least one month intervening between uses, including a use in a succeeding calendar year.”
Can residents from Montgomery County access benefits or agency services from Chester County?
No, a person who changes residences, from Montgomery County to Chester County will have to reapply for supplemental benefits, losing valuable months to save for a security deposit for housing.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Tom Niarhos, Executive Director of Pottstown Beacon of Hope at tniarhos@pottstownbeaconofhope.org or via cell 424-625-1818.