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Councilors urged to prepare as Days Inn closing, Beacon of Hope shelter planned
Summary
Councilors discussed homelessness and housing capacity after a Days Inn closure was mentioned; councilors said a Beacon of Hope shelter with 43 beds is planned, and community groups urged early preparation for rehousing. A housing forum and reconstituted Pottstown Housing Coalition were also announced.
Councilors and community members pressed for planning ahead of an expected reduction in emergency shelter capacity and described steps to expand housing supports. Councilor comments and public speakers said the Days Inn will close after the opening of a new shelter, and Beacon of Hope is planned as a 43‑bed shelter intended to replace some hotel sheltering.
At the meeting, a councilor said the borough must prepare now because the new shelter’s 43 beds will not match the larger number of people currently staying in temporary hotel placements; the councilor urged early planning so people are not left without options when the hotel closes.
Mike Hayes of the Pottstown Housing Coalition told councilors the coalition has reconstituted, is meeting monthly at Borough Hall and will host a housing policy forum Feb. 12 in Lansdale; Hayes encouraged at least three councilors to attend and said the coalition will report back on its work.
Councilors discussed the need to protect seniors from tax increases and to identify revenue sources that do not push vulnerable residents into homelessness. No formal vote or council directive on shelter operations was recorded during the committee meeting; staff and councilors indicated ongoing work and further discussions would continue at future meetings.
