Berks Coalition to End Homelessness, Inc.

08/06/2026

Last Friday, BCEH partnered with Kraft Municipal Group to provide a free training on gaining municipal approval for housing and development projects.

This training supports a recommendation from the Berks County 2026 Strategic Plan to explore zoning and building code reforms that encourage a wider range of housing options, including multifamily housing and accessory dwelling units.

A special thank you to Kraft Municipal Group for sharing their expertise and making a topic that can often feel complex—zoning and municipal approvals—engaging, informative, and easy to understand. Our team and attendees walked away with valuable knowledge that will help us continue advancing housing solutions throughout Berks County.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this important conversation!

22/05/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the BCEH office will be closed on Monday, May 25.

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Our office will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday.

04/05/2026

We’re so excited to be part of the 4th Annual County Wide Mental Health Conference this year!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ll be hosting a “Messages of Hope” station, an interactive space where students can take a moment to slow down, reflect, and write a kind or encouraging message for someone who might be going through a tough time.

Sometimes the smallest words can make the biggest impact. Whether it’s a reminder that someone isn’t alone, a note of encouragement, or just a little bit of kindness- these messages matter!

16/04/2026

As temperatures rise, many of our neighbors are preparing for another season living outdoors without reliable protection from the elements. With Code Blue now over, more individuals are now sleeping outside - and we are seeing the need grow every single day.

Tents are asked for daily. For many, a tent can mean protection from rain and wind, a way to maintain their health, and a greater sense of safety at night. It’s not a long-term solution, but it can make an immediate difference in how someone gets through each day.

Right now, BCEH is in urgent need of tents and sleeping bags.

If you’re able to help, you can purchase items directly from our Amazon Wish List and have them shipped to us: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/18E9T4R97NOMZ/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Donations can also be dropped off at our office.

Every item goes directly into the hands of someone who needs it right here in our community!

02/04/2026

A friendly reminder that BCEH will be closed tomorrow on Friday, April 3rd in observance of Good Friday.
Our team will resume normal operations Monday April 6th!

31/03/2026

2026 Winter Point in Time Count Numbers

This winter, our community identified 734 people experiencing homelessness.

This represents an 8% increase from last year’s count, underscoring the urgent need for continued support, resources, and solutions.

The number includes:
213 people living unsheltered (in cars, tents, or outside)
420 people in emergency shelters
101 people in transitional housing

Read more here:https://bceh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PIT-Press-Release-2026.pdf

17/03/2026

BCEH is hiring! We are looking for a Housing Navigator to join our team.

The Housing Navigator provides comprehensive landlord support, including check-ins, navigating rental systems, and resolving tenant issues. The position fosters relationships with property owners, educates them on program benefits, and addresses their needs. Additionally, the Housing Navigator liaises with support staff, attends community initiatives, and identifies service gaps for program enhancement. The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing.

Click here to view the full position posting with information about applying:https://bceh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Housing-Navigator-Job-Description-1.pdf

04/03/2026

This past Saturday, our Street Outreach Coordinator, Mike Noll, proudly joined staff from Street Medicine and the Veterans Multi-Service Center for New Journey Community Outreach’s Coldest Night of the Year 5K Walk at Penn State Berks.

Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly walk that raises critical funds so New Journey Community Outreach can continue serving individuals and families experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness in the Reading community. We are so grateful to stand alongside partners who are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors in need.

It was amazing to see our community show up in a big way!

Donations are still being accepted if you’d like to support this incredible effort:
https://cnoy.com/location/reading

Together, we continue working toward a stronger, more compassionate Berks County.

23/02/2026

Last Thursday was nothing short of incredible!

Over 100 partner agencies, community leaders, advocates, people with lived experience and stakeholders came together for the release of Berks County’s Community Wide Strategic Plan. Every person there shared one common purpose, creating real and sustainable solutions to address the housing crisis in our community.

This five year comprehensive and equitable plan lays out a clear path forward. Through months of collaboration and community input, six key themes emerged as priorities within the Berks County homeless response system:
-CoC Structure and Collaboration
-Prevention and Diversion
-Emergency Shelter and Crisis Resources
-Supportive Services, Navigation, and Housing Stability Services
-Permanent Housing including Homeless Dedicated Housing
-Resources and Affordable and Attainable Housing
-Community Leadership

This is not just a plan that sits on a shelf. It is a call for our entire community to step up and work together. Government leaders, business leaders, philanthropy partners, faith communities, individuals with lived experience, service providers, health and mental health partners, workforce partners, and community members all have a role to play.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, leaned in, and committed to being part of the solution. Thank you to those who spoke and shared their story and to the volunteers that made this day happen.

The momentum is real and we are just getting started!

Interested in learning more? Read the plan here: https://bceh.org/agency-support/community-plan/

22/02/2026

As we anticipate another large snow storm, BCEH would like to remind our community of the resources available to stay warm. Please see the original post for more information!

EXTREME COLD & STORM ALERT

With dangerously cold temperatures and a major storm expected, we want to make sure our community knows there are safe, warm places available. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, Code Blue shelters and warming centers are open in Berks County.

If you’re unsure where to go or need help connecting to a resource, call 2-1-1 or text 898211.

Overnight Code Blue Shelters:

Single Women & Families (with and without children): Opportunity House
430 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601
(610) 374-4696

Single Men: Hope Rescue Mission
645 N 6th St, Reading, PA 19601
(610) 375-4224

Please note - shelters will not be asking people to leave during the daytime over the weekend due to the extreme weather.

Daytime Warming Center & Meals:
New Journey Community Outreach (The Yellow Church) located at 138 S 6th St, Reading, PA 19602
Open Monday–Friday 6:00am - 12:30pm
Breakfast, lunch, and on-site resource support available.
Additional meals available Mon - Sat: Breakfast 6:30am and Dinner 5:30pm

At BCEH, the safety of our clients and community is our top priority. Please share this post so it reaches anyone who may need it!