POWER Phoenixville Opportunities With Empowerment Resources

LaRhonda Mitchell was a young single mother with two children in rental housing. Despite economic barriers she saved $17,000. It was discouraging when she went to look for housing to find out that this would qualify for a down payment but that she did not have enough money to settle on a home purchase she had located. What to do? She remembered Don Coppedge talking about the Phoenixville Homes (HOPE) Home Ownership Phoenixville Encourages program and telephoned Mr. Coppedge. Within days Phoenixville Homes had put the application into LaRhonda’s hands. Because she qualified for a mortgage the program could help her with closing costs to acquire the home in Phoenixville that her family still lives in today. To quote LaRhonda, “I just want to tell this story of how hard work, prayer, faith and persistence are rewarded.”

Note: This program is now the POWER (Phoenixville Opportunities With Empowerment Resources) program call 610-948-1797 for an application.

The Bard Complex

Harvey and Hazel were not unhappy but were wondering why, as senior citizens, they were puttering around in a big house with all of its responsibilities. They heard about the construction of apartments in Spring City. With anticipation, Harvey and Hazel contacted Phoenixville Homes as soon as the complex was advertised. This was the answer Harvey & Hazel had been seeking.  They became some of the first occupants of, The Bard Complex in Spring City, PA. Harvey & Hazel express their sentiments this way; “Our apartment rooms are big with large windows, and our own heat and air conditioning controls. The building is safe and secure with the availability of twenty four/seven help if needed. Activities are available through the Bard Resident Association fill our days with bingo, crafts,  movies on the big screen, the gardening club, card night and Bible Study. In the morning all we have to do to get our news paper is ride the elevator down to the lobby.”

Flag House

Irma immigrated to the United States when she was four years old. “I came only with my luggage.” Later in life she married. Irma and her husband raised their children in America. One of her daughters still lives in the area. In her working career, Irma worked 14 years at the current Bard Complex location. She chose to become a resident of the Flag House five years ago. Independent living is Irma’s spirit. She takes trips back to Italy to visit relatives; but does not allow them being far away to keep her from enjoying life. Her infectious laugh lights up any gathering. In her words; “I appreciate the maintenance and office help. I get along with all of the residents. Thank God I can afford the bill.” and I appreciate the maintenance and office help. I like living here; it is my home.”

Freedom House

Sandra did not anticipate being a disabled adult. She faced her situation by searching for independent housing. In this endeavor she found the Freedom House in Royersford, PA and a spacious disabled fitted apartment; however Sandra spends little time in her apartment except when she is baking one her delicious cheese cakes or writing a story. Sandra is, on the go, shopping with her family and participating in civic activities. She describes the Freedom House building this way; “The lobby, is open attractive and spacious, I like being in the Community Room and taking part in the many activities such as; watching the big screen TV, playing bingo, participating in birthday parties and enjoying special dinners. This is a great place to live.”