FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  PDF. Press Release HERE
Dec. 15, 2023

The Pottstown Cluster Receives Grant to Enhance Services Locally

Pottstown, PA – The Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities, which offers basic need and self-sufficiency programs centered around food security, housing stability, and supportive services to improve people’s stability in the greater Pottstown area was recently awarded a significant grant by Norfolk Southern Corporation.

“We are thrilled to accept this grant from Norfolk Southern and grateful for the generous support because of our work with the unhoused and those at risk of being homeless,” said Jacqui Good, Executive Director of the Pottstown Cluster.

The grant is part of Norfolk Southern’s commitment to playing an active role in helping the communities it serves thrive. In November, the railroad recently awarded nearly $600,000 to a host of organizations across its 22-state network, that provide support and services to individuals dealing with homelessness.

“We believe in the power of community and understand the profound impact homelessness has on individuals and families,” said Kristin Wong, Director Corporate Giving at Norfolk Southern. “Norfolk Southern is focused on addressing this issue by supporting organizations across our 22-state network that provide shelter and critical services to the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

About the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities

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 provides food security, housing stability, and supportive services 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.

About Norfolk Southern

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting NorfolkSouthern.com.

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PDF. Version Here

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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UPDATED LOCATION! Meet us on the front porch of 61 North Franklin Street (right next door to our Outreach Center) to pick up a bookbag this Friday, August 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Bookbags available beginning August 18 and until supplies last. Days and hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

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