Community Discussion Program | Oakbrook Community Center

Reading Housing Authority Breaks Ground on New Community Services Center in Oakbrook Homes

The Reading Housing Authority has marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the Oakbrook Homes Center for Community Services, a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of vital resources for residents of Oakbrook Homes and the surrounding neighborhood. This project, envisioned as a comprehensive response to the needs of a diverse population, seeks to empower residents to achieve greater self-sufficiency.

As part of the development, two existing buildings within the community will be repurposed to establish a Neighborhood Resource Center and a Family Services Complex. The Neighborhood Resource Center is designed to foster community engagement and support, featuring a food pantry, a small grocery store, and two expansive common areas dedicated to educational and vocational programs. Notably, this center will also house a senior center, a kitchen, a business center, and collaborative office space for various human service agencies, promoting a multi-faceted approach to community assistance.

In addition, the Family Services Complex will provide essential services including an on-site childcare and early learning center, addressing one of the critical needs for families in the area. This comprehensive service model is expected to facilitate a more connected and resourceful community environment.

Stacey Keppen, Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority, emphasized the community’s historical disconnect, stating, “Despite being the largest community in our public housing stock, Oakbrook Homes has long been both physically and socially adrift from the broader network of services in the Greater Reading area.” This sentiment underscores the importance of initiatives like the Oakbrook Homes Center, which aims to bridge the existing gaps in service provision.

The project has garnered support from several local organizations, including the Oakbrook Resident Council, the United Way of Berks County, Opportunity House, Centro Hispano, El Encanto Grocery, Berks Community Health Center, and Helping Harvest. These partnerships are indicative of a collective commitment to fostering community well-being and economic stability.

Overall, the center is set to offer a wide array of programs focused on education and workforce development, including English-language instruction, higher education opportunities, and access to crucial social service providers. Additionally, it will cater to both youth and senior residents, ensuring that its services are inclusive and comprehensive.

Oakbrook Homes, which comprises 530 residential units and serves over 1,500 residents, is characterized by its ethnic diversity and economic challenges; more than 90% of residents are considered ethnically diverse, and over 75% earn below the area’s median household income, with a significant number being single parents. The establishment of the Oakbrook Homes Center for Community Services represents a pivotal step toward addressing these challenges and cultivating a thriving, self-sufficient community.