Our History
Open Hearth was originally formed in 1989 as a local grassroots committee to assure equal housing opportunities for people who are traditionally isolated and systematically denied opportunities due to mental, emotional or physical disabilities.
Located at 101 N. Main Street in Spring City, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Open Hearth, Inc. received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in April of 1991.
Over the years, our organization has grown and evolved to serve members of our community who are the most vulnerable, including single parents, displaced families, those dealing with drug and alcohol dependency, and all income eligible populations, who come from diverse racial, cultural and geographic backgrounds.
We believe our greatest strengths are staying abreast of emerging issues and best practices and then developing programs and effective partnerships to meet the needs of the community we serve. Because of this, as community needs have changed we have expanded our services to include asset building, financial education and counseling, transportation solutions and direct case management, believing that the answer lies in prevention and education.
Our Vision
Open Hearth endeavors to develop innovative ways to create affordable housing opportunities for those who have been excluded from the housing market, provide access to a means of transportation, teach financial enhancement skills, and support efforts within our community to meet the needs of those we serve. We offer programs that teach and support financial viability, in the belief that this knowledge best prepares the individual for a lifetime of independence. Strengthening our work are the partnerships we develop with other organizations that share and provide services and programs we can build upon.
In all of the work of Open Hearth, the focus of the organization must remain on confronting the economic and social barriers that prevent large segments of our society from achieving their dream of a place to live and a life of independence. This focus includes the realization that people have different needs when it comes to shelter and community. Alternatives and choices have to exist for all people. Above all, Open Hearth must position itself as a trendsetter. Too often, the easiest route is taken regarding the needs of those not truly valued in our communities. Open Hearth must continue to identify with the needs of the people we serve and strive to develop the best, not the easiest, solutions to those needs. Open Hearth must recognize itself as a champion of our community, and through our programs and partnerships we will provide the leadership to assure the rights of everyone to shelter, community, and a lifetime of independence.
Our Funders
