A 24/7 shelter for single adults — perhaps the first of its kind in the nation — is being planned by Pottstown Beacon of Hope, a support outreach for displaced borough residents. Emily Rizzo’s story on it was welcomed in at WHYY.

The proposed resource is a 45-bed facility for noncongregant singles, meaning each occupant will have a room of his or her own. Its acceptance of single adults is truly innovative.

“Our very hopeful plan is that we’re able to have people sleeping inside by next November,” said Tom Niarhos, executive director for Pottstown Beacon of Hope.

The need for this type of Montgomery County facility has become evident of late. Two county shelters closed over the summer, and June data show a 118 percent rise year-over-year-rise in the homeless population.

The Beacon of Hope structure is headed for the corner of West High and Glasgow Streets, where its new building will hold 45 private rooms and an emergency supply of 15 beds.

The goal is to have participants, all from Pottstown, stay only 4–6 months, during which they will undergo job preparation and placement training.

The noncongregant setting — in lieu of one communal room — allows for more privacy and enables residents to feel more secure.

“I really think it’ll do a lot for the success of the individuals,” concluded Niarhos.

More on the new Beacon of Hope shelter is at WHYY.