Meet Mr. Smith, whose story highlights the risk of homelessness for older adults on fixed incomes during life crises or financial setbacks.

Mr. Smith, a 77-year-old veteran living alone in Pottstown, faced a challenging situation when his personal information was compromised, leading to the suspension of his monthly SSI benefits of less than $1,000. This financial strain made it difficult for him to keep up with his rent, prompting his landlord to initiate eviction proceedings in September. In desperation, Mr. Smith reached out to the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities for assistance. Thanks to funding secured for our older adult housing support program, we were able to intervene and prevent his eviction by covering his back rent, late fees, court costs, and his November rent. This assistance provided Mr. Smith with the breathing space he required to regain his financial footing and return to a state of stability, enabling him to pay his rent independently. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mr. Smith expressed his heartfelt thanks, while we felt a deep sense of fulfillment in being able to provide a housing helping hand up to such a deserving person.

Mr. Smith’s story illustrates the vulnerability of older adults living on fixed incomes to homelessness, particularly when faced with a life crisis or financial setback. Mr. Smith is sadly just one among many. An alarming trend is the increasing number of older adults who are at-risk of becoming homeless. We’ve witnessed many individuals over the age of 80 experiencing rent hikes from $500 to more than $1,000. With the average monthly Social Security income sitting at $943, and the typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montgomery County reaching $1,200. The situation is alarming. Additionally, the average wait time for senior housing is two years, which clearly indicates a looming crisis. To address this issue, the Pottstown Cluster has developed a program aimed at helping low-income older adults remain or transition into safe, affordable housing,

To make a contribution towards addressing our mission’s most pressing needs, visit  pottstowncluster.org/donate

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2024 Holiday Food Program
Information for our Families and Donors

THANKSGIVING:

• Food donations needed: Thanksgiving stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, gravy, and apple juice.
• About our Thanksgiving food service:
  • We will be providing food boxes to 250 families limited to current/active food pantry recipients. Starting the week of November 18 during open pantry hours. Meal will consist of: Turkey, corn, instant potatoes, stuffing, green beans, mix veggies, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, gravy, collard greens.
  • Contact Patricia Shepherd, Food Services Director at 610-970-5995 or email pshepherd@pottstowncluster.org to schedule a food donation delivery date and time.
  • The last day for pantry access before Thanksgiving is Wednesday, 11/27, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Regular pantry hours will resume on Tuesday, 12/3.

CHRISTMAS:

• Food donations needed: apple juice, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, and cake mix.
• About our Christmas/Holiday food service:
  • We will be providing 300 families holiday food boxes. Limited to current clients/active food pantry recipients. During the week of December 16 during open pantry hours.
  • Families in need of toys can visit the Salvation Army’s website for their toy program at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/pottstown-pa/brighten-the-holidays/
  • Holiday food box menu: coming soon!
  • Contact Patricia Shepherd, Food Services Director at 610-970-5995 or email pshepherd@pottstowncluster.org to schedule a donation delivery date and time.
  • The last day for pantry access before Christmas is Tuesday, 12/24, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Regular pantry hours will resume on Friday, 1/3/25.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Patricia at 610-970-5995 ext. 114 or pshepherd@pottstowncluster.org.

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Pottstown Cluster’s BIGGEST event of the year will be held on Thursday, September 26^th. Join us for our Fall Happy Hour fundraiser! Attendees can have fun while giving back and making a difference in the local community. All are welcome to join staff, board members, supporters, and friends at the Rivet Canteen and Assembly on the 26^th starting at 5:30 PM.

Here’s what to expect:

• Enjoy an all-you-can-eat fall food buffet
• Sample local seasonal beers and wines
• Experience an open bar stocked with beer, wine, a fall signature drink, and creative coffee concoctions
• Groove to music
• Bid on great auction items. Here’s a sampling of prizes – Eagles Executive Box Tickets with food and drinks, a Hot Air Balloon Adventure that includes champagne and dinner, a Private Winery Tour and Tasting for a group, a Personalized Group/Family Photography Session at Valley Forge Park, a deluxe Car Wash Membership, Tickets to Steel River Playhouse, Reading Phillies Tickets, and a variety of fun themed local and lifestyle baskets!

Space is limited and filling up fast! Get a $55 ticket while supplies last! Visit https://www.pottstowncluster.org/2024annualevent/ to save your space.

The event supports the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities in our mission to provide essential services like food security, stable housing, and support programs to boost the community’s well-being and enhance socio-economic stability in the local area.

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Residing just outside the front entrance to Pottstown Cluster’s Outreach Center are two Little Free Libraries – one for children and one for adults. Stop by anytime to see what’s available for your reading pleasure. Book donations are also accepted to build the collection and to keep the inventory fresh. We are happy to provide a home to lots of good books! PCRC’s Little Free Libraries can be found at 57 N. Franklin Street. Come discover a relevant book to read that is not limited by time, space, or privilege. The hope is that this “little” program will help build community, inspire readers, and expand book access.

Little Free Library is a nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information about their mission and to see maps of other locations, please visit https://littlefreelibrary.org/.

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On September 4^th, the Pottstown Cluster Outreach Center was the location for the monthly Community Leaders Breakfast. PCRC’s staff was happy to co-host the event with members of the Hobart’s Run organization. There were about 25 representatives from area nonprofits and businesses in attendance. In addition to breakfast, the gathering included networking and the sharing of information and ideas about efforts for positive change in the Pottstown area. To learn more about these upbeat monthly Community Leaders Breakfasts, email contact@hobartsrunpottstown.org or visit the Hobart’s Run website at https://hobartsrunpottstown.org/programs/community-leaders-breakfast/.

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The Pottstown Cluster is accepting applications now for home heating oil assistance. If you or someone you know is in need of fuel oil please visit: https://www.pottstowncluster.org/oilassistance/. The service area is determined by zip code. Requirements include a valid photo ID, the most recent 30 days proof of income for all adult household members, a completed application, permission for the release of information, and a current photo of the fuel oil gauge. Delivery of 150 gallons of oil will be on a first come first serve basis for those who meet all the eligibility requirements. An adult must be home when a delivery is made. Applicants will be able to recertify for additional assistance, but there are no guarantees that grant money will be available. It is anticipated that the program will expire in the Spring of 2025. Any questions about the program can be directed to Kelli DeSieno at 610-970-5995 or kdesieno@pottstowncluster.org.

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On May 7, 2024, we took part in a Day of Advocacy at the state Capitol, organized by the Collaborative Advocacy Network (CAN), a key part of the Bucks-Mont Collaborative  Our aim was to shed light on two significant community concerns: affordable housing and behavioral health access policies. Together, we advocated for affordable housing and accessible behavioral healthcare policies. Check out the video by Family Promise Montco PA to see more!

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