From left: Staff members of Resources for Human Development; Montgomery County Commissioners Thomas DiBello, Neil Makhija, and Jamila Winder; Norristown Councilmembers Rashaad Bates and Jasmine Griffin; and Kayleigh Silver, Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development Administrator. (Credit: Montgomery County).
(The following press release was provided verbatim from Montgomery County)
Montgomery County today announced it has broken ground on a new short-term supportive housing facility, located in the DeKalb Center Norristown.
The 24-hour, year-round facility will add 50 beds to the County’s emergency housing network. Admission to the facility will be reserved for single adults with the greatest risk of severe health and safety consequences, as determined by Montgomery County’s Your Way Home Coordinated Entry screening system.
“On a given night, over 100 people are experiencing homelessness in Norristown; these are folks who need a roof over their head and a safe harbor. Soon, they’ll have that place right here in Norristown,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “This is a system that works. When we combine housing with wraparound support services, we see success."
Those admitted to the facility will have access to social support ranging from career readiness and financial training to substance use disorder and mental health counseling, provided by the County’s nonprofit partner, Resources for Human Development. During their time in the facility, residents will also have access to Your Way Home housing resources, including Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing.
“This is happening at a time when the cost of housing has skyrocketed up 50% since 2019, and the basic necessities—healthcare, food, and groceries—have all become astronomically expensive for ordinary people,” said Neil K. Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. “There are tens of thousands of people who are one emergency away from becoming homeless. By making our commitment today, we are telling them that they matter—and we’re using our collective resources to make sure they stay in a safe and stable place.”
Since the June 2022 closure of the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center in Norristown, the Board of Commissioners has voted to open three emergency housing facilities across Montgomery County: a hoteling program in Pottstown, Todi’s Place of Hope in Lansdale, and this forthcoming Norristown facility at 1430 DeKalb Street.
“This is a facility where we're providing all the necessary services to help these individuals because they deserve it, they need it, and we want them to feel valued,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “With the groundbreaking here today, we’ll soon have nearly 200 beds available for those in need across Montgomery County. We needed to do this, and we're proud to be working together on this initiative.”
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
“Here in Norristown, we see the impact of housing instability every day,” said Rashaad Bates, Norristown Council President. “Norristown stepped up to be part of the countywide solution, along with Lansdale and Pottstown. This kind of coordination isn't always easy, but it was 100% necessary."
If you or someone you know needs help with temporary shelter or a longer-term housing issue, call Your Way Home at 610-278-3522.
