FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 23, 2023
POTTSTOWN CLUSTER OUTREACH CENTER CLOSES FOR EMERGENCY MAINTENANCE
Intentional vandalism causes a disruption in food services.
Pottstown, PA– Intentional vandalism of the Pottstown Cluster Outreach Center resulted in an infestation on Tuesday morning, August 15. The Pottstown Cluster immediately closed the Outreach Center for emergency facility maintenance, suspended food services, contacted the police, and consulted with several remediation providers.
The Pottstown Cluster food service programs are committed to safe and quality food procurement, storage, and distribution. The most effective and environmentally conscientious organization has been selected to provide emergency remediation services. Fumigation will take place on Thursday and Friday August 24 and 25.
“Safety is our top priority. The scheduled remediation presents no risk to our neighbors or the environment, though as a precaution, no one will be allowed on the property while these experts do their important work. Please know, we have notified the Health Department, the Borough, our neighbors, and our community partners,” said Jacqui Good, PCRC Executive Director.
In spite of these challenges, the Pottstown Cluster remains committed to food security and the community. Through their Supportive Services Center at Wainman House, they have been offering pantry patrons one-time special assistance through their Emergency Special Assistance Program and disbursing school backpacks.
Updates and reopening information will be available at pottstowncluster.org. Service recipients with questions can contact a temporary emergency number between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.: 267-649-2010. Questions about this temporary disruption of operations, can be directed to Jacqui Good, Executive Director at 484-925-1660.
The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities was founded in 1967 by a coalition of churches wanting to address hunger and now operates as an independent nonprofit. Today, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities provides Food Security, Housing Stability, and Supportive Services and Education to address basic needs as well as improve overall stability of persons within and beyond the greater Pottstown area. In 2022, the Cluster served 4,452 households from their food pantry and reviewed 2,979 requests for help to prevent eviction. The housing team works with over 400 landlords to establish stable tenants, making the Pottstown Cluster an important link in the long-term success of affordable housing property owners. The Pottstown Cluster is the only food redistribution organization (RDO) in Montgomery County, distributing more than 570,000 pounds of food to more than 2,800 households annually. For more information, visit pottstowncluster.org.
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