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A representative of the Warren-Forest County Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) outlined the agency's broad range of services and future housing plans during Monday's City Council meeting.
Tressa Sweeney, Executive Directory of the Warren-Forest County Economic Opportunity Council, spoke to council members about the organization's work across Warren and Forest counties, emphasizing the agency's goal of helping residents address immediate needs while also building long-term stability.
"We're often the voice and advocate for an individual or household because they don't know where to start," Sweeney said.
The EOC operates programs ranging from early childhood education and energy assistance to housing, homelessness prevention and workforce development.
Through its Head Start program, the agency currently provides early childhood education to 145 children, with another 30 children served through pre-K programs. Sweeney said the agency also works with families through home visits and provides food-based scholarship assistance to area daycares.
The organization's energy programs help residents make their homes safer and more energy efficient. Sweeney said the EOC's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program alone repaired or replaced 131 heating systems last year.
"In our part of Pennsylvania, having a working furnace isn't just a home improvement,” Sweeney told Council. "It can be the difference between a family safely remaining in their home or facing a crisis."
Housing remains a significant part of the EOC's work. The agency operates two emergency shelters, as well as homeless prevention, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs.
Sweeney said the EOC currently owns 30 buildings containing 68 housing units and leases three additional houses containing 11 units. The agency also has two vacant lots available for potential development.
One recent project involved the development of four ADA accessible apartments on Madison Avenue. The apartments have been completed and are fully occupied.
Sweeney said the EOC is now continuing its investment in downtown Warren, where it owns properties at 219, 221 and 229 Pennsylvania Ave. W.
The agency plans to maintain commercial storefronts on the first floors while renovating upper floors into housing. At 229 Pennsylvania Ave. W., plans call for six one-bedroom apartments aimed specifically at workforce development housing.
Sweeney said the project is intended to help young adults who enter the local workforce after high school but may struggle with housing costs, finances, credit and other challenges associated with becoming independent.
The proposed housing would be paired with light case management and partnerships with organizations involved in workforce development, Sweeney said.
"If we can identify young adults who are struggling to find their way and help them establish a solid foundation early," Sweeney explained. "maybe we can interrupt some of the generational patterns here in our county."
Sweeney also described a broader goal of reaching residents before they reach a crisis.
Historically, people often turn to the EOC when their utilities are about to be shut off, a furnace has stopped working, or they are facing eviction or homelessness. While the agency can often address an immediate emergency, Sweeney said solving the immediate problem does not always address the circumstances that caused it.
"I want us to be better at reaching people earlier," Sweeney said.
That effort could include strengthening partnerships with other organizations, identifying needs sooner and coordinating the EOC's programs so residents receive assistance before a crisis develops.
The EOC currently has about 33 employees, including staff working in Head Start, housing, weatherization and building and grounds operations.
Council members thanked Sweeney for the agency's work and specifically praised the Madison Avenue housing project, stating it has greatly helped to improve the surrounding neighborhood.
Council members also asked about donations to the EOC's warehouse. Sweeney said the agency has limited space and has therefore reduced the types of financial and material donations it accepts. Residents interested in donating clothing, food or other items are encouraged to contact the agency ahead of time to determine its current needs.
A current list of needed items is available through the EOC's Facebook page.