Opportunity House announced it is withdrawing from its plan to purchase the property at 100 South 4th Street, citing a lack of support from Reading City Council as the reason for ending the effort.
The nonprofit, which has served the community since 1984, had intended to use the site to expand its affordable housing services. Currently, Opportunity House provides housing to approximately 100 individuals who would otherwise be homeless.
“Four members of City Council have chosen political expediency over affordable housing for the homeless,” said Modesto Fiume, President of Opportunity House.
According to Fiume, the organization met all requirements set by City Council, including providing property appraisals and making itself available to answer questions. However, he said no council members have asked for further clarification or explained why they have not moved to allocate available federal funds for the project. Opportunity House was the only applicant for those funds.
The decision to halt the project comes amid a growing need for emergency housing in the city. With the seasonal closures of the Eckert House and Code Blue housing, the number of available shelter beds is decreasing.
“Many of those coming to us are experiencing homelessness for the first time due to rising rental costs,” said Fiume. “They’ve been priced out of the market and are relying on affordable housing to maintain stability.”
The organization said the lack of progress means some individuals who have already stayed in its shelter for up to two years will continue to wait for a permanent place to live. While Opportunity House is ending its pursuit of the South 4th Street property, it expressed gratitude for the community’s continued support and emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing safe and stable housing.