The Opportunity Center in Bristol features amenities and resources for low-income individuals and families
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the Bucks County Opportunity Council has practiced one key mission — to reduce, and someday eradicate, poverty. In 2018, the nonprofit’s programs, which include education, training and resources, assisted more than 11,000 low-income individuals across the county.
During that time, the majority of BCOC’s operations were housed in its Doylestown and Quakertown offices. As far as its presence in Lower Bucks, the organization rented small spaces in Bristol Borough, all of which it rapidly outgrew.
But now, BCOC finally has a spacious, permanent facility in the area to call its own. On Thursday, March 7, the 501(c)(3) officially opened the doors to its new 6,400-square-foot Opportunity Center, located at 721 Veterans Highway in Bristol, where Planned Parenthood was formerly housed.
The Center provides locals in need with emergency and housing assistance, volunteer income tax assistance during tax season, economic self-sufficiency, and street outreach, which is one of BCOC’s fastest growing initiatives.
“We took on the Street Outreach Program about two and a half years ago, which is funded by the United Way of Bucks County,” said Eileen Albillar, volunteer and community connections manager. “It was brand new at the time, to help reach out to folks who are literally homeless on the streets, living in cars.”
According to Albillar, homeless outreach staff members scout the area for these individuals, who may not be aware of BCOC’s services. Each is always gifted with a backpack stuffed with food and supplies.
“Our philosophy is that change doesn’t happen without relationship,” she said, explaining how many people who have been homeless for a while have an understandable lack of trust. “We want to offer something they can really hold onto, to try and build that trust and relationship, so that we can get them to wherever they want to be. All of our services are client-driven. We meet the client where they are.”
If the person is interested in receiving help from BCOC, they are invited to the Opportunity Center, where they can utilize a shower, washer and dryer, and complimentary Tide pods, bath soaps, washcloths, towels and disposable flip flops, all of which are donated.
The Street Outreach Program is also for locals who may be newly homeless, and need a little boost to get back on their feet.
“If you’re going for a job interview, or if you’re working but you’re living out of your car, being able to just clean up is good,” Albillar said, adding that individuals can also take advantage of a recharge center. “You’re out and about and you need a place to just sit down and charge your phone while your laundry’s washing.”
In addition, the Opportunity Center offers walk-in services to anyone facing a housing crisis, as well as housing location, resource navigation and shelter diversion services; one-on-one economic self-sufficiency assistance, which allows those committed to leaving poverty to work with a coach on a long-term plan to eventually secure a living wage; a training enterprise space to encourage rapid employment in several in-demand sectors of the local economy; and short-term assistance for individuals and families facing a crisis such as a utility shut-off, transportation repair costs and food assistance.
BCOC broke ground at 721 Veterans Highway last June, and Albillar, who has been with the nonprofit since 2010, is thrilled with the finished product.
“We have never had this kind of space before,” she said. “We filled the space quickly with our programming because there’s a tremendous need. People have been knocking at the doors asking for help for a long time, and we want to be able to serve as many people as we can and reduce poverty. And eventually, hopefully get close to eliminating it.”
The Opportunity Center features a reception area, ample space for donated items, a community room, which will be used for informational resource events, and a conference room.
“It’s a place where we can invite people into our office. In the smaller space, we weren’t able to host people, but we really want to bring people in because we’re the designated community action agency for the county. It’s a designation by the state, it’s federal funding,” Albillar said. “We’re involved in so many projects, whether it’s housing, emergency services, transportation. There’s a lot of work going on, and we want to bring more people to the table and be at the table for other things too.”
In Albillar’s opinion, the new space will strengthen BCOC’s partnerships with Bucks County Community College, faith groups and other organizations, and allow it to serve more people.
“We’re built on partnerships. Partnerships are at the core of everything we do. We don’t do anything alone. We partner with anyone and everyone in the community, depending on what we’re doing. And this building really speaks to that,” she said, mentioning how volunteers donated time to paint the walls and move furniture.
BCOC’s executive director Erin Lukoss shared a similar sentiment.
“This project has been a labor of love,” she said. “This Opportunity Center will serve our community for many years to come and will be a benefit to all people with low income. Whether seeking a warm shower, a place to rest, a person to talk to or an opportunity to get ahead, we are here and we are ready to serve.”
Visit bcoc.org for more information.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
