Grant will help Opportunity House of Reading transform blighted property into affordable housing
Mar. 2—The state has awarded the Opportunity House of Reading a $100,000 grant to transform a blighted property into affordable housing.
State Rep. Mark Rozzi announced Monday that the funds for purchase and renovation of the property had been given to the organization through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Opportunity House has been providing help to the homeless and assisting families struggling with poverty in Berks County for the past 35 years. The nonprofit does this by offering meals to those who need them, housing to those on the streets, programs for children and skills courses for adults.
The Muhlenberg Township Democrat said in a press release that the coronavirus pandemic has illustrated how inequitable many systems and services are but has also cast a spotlight on the lifesaving work Opportunity House provides to empower people.
Opportunity House President Modesto Fiume said the organization will put the money toward a worthy investment. The grant, along with matching funds from the county, will be used to transform a blighted property that has been vacant for 30 years into affordable housing.
The space will be converted into two apartments with patio space for low-income working people.
State Rep. Manny Guzman, who was sworn into office in January, said he was grateful for the work being done at the Opportunity House and for Rozzi's willingness to work behind the scenes to ensure the grant earned final approval.
"The people of Reading have benefitted and will continue to benefit from the excellent work being done at Opportunity House," the Reading Democrat said.
