Where is the new property and what are the details of the property purchase?
The money raised will be used for the mechanical and fixture build out of a new site that was recently acquired in July 2025 at 60 Bieber Alley, Kutztown, PA 19530. The 9,000 square foot building with .77 acres was purchased for $450,000 with a 30% deposit ($135,000) and a $315,000 loan through Fleetwood Bank.
This new location for the agency is very centrally located in the Kutztown community and allows us to be more community centered. The location is one block off Main Street in a retail/commercial site. It is both walkable and on the University student shuttle route, making it easily accessible for Friend, Inc.’s clients and volunteers.
The newly purchased building is located in close proximity to other key community resources and businesses including CVS Pharmacy, Dollar Tree, Santander Bank and Kutztown Community Library.
There is ample parking near the building both through the parking lot owned by Friend Inc, as well as an
adjacent parking lot for the neighboring Constitution Blvd retail / commercial property. The peak usage of 35 parking spots is required for approximately five 3-hour food pantry time windows each year, with common parking needs being significantly lower. The food pantry staff volunteers for parking attendants to help direct the flow of traffic at those times.
What will be included in the renovation of the building?
A key element of this plan is the design of the Food Pantry area, which will be styled like a neighborhood grocery, featuring bright lighting, colorful graphics, and modern shelving with end caps. The current pantry is “self-select”, a human-centered model which allows shoppers to choose the foods their family will eat. Extending this philosophy to include the physical shopping environment will not only decrease the barrier to access, but also demonstrate greater respect for our shoppers, making the experience one rooted in human dignity.
The new site allows us to not only meet increasing demand for services but also to implement programs addressing pathways to self sufficiency such as financial and digital literacy, classes in food preparation and use, senior health and recreation, and a community access room.
The new site also allows us to expand the housing of area agencies which have provided access to services for community residents that otherwise may not be easily obtained; currently Safe Berks, Family Guidance Center, Maternal and Health Services (WIC), and Berks Encore.
How will the building renovation be managed?
Friend Inc. has engaged DESCCO General Contractors in Fleetwood, PA to manage the building design and construction process. As a reputable general contractor for over 45 years in Berks County and Eastern Pennsylvania, they have experience on a range of projects from office renovations to warehouse buildouts. DESCCO has provided construction cost estimates based on the architectural designs and layouts prepared by Olsen Design Studio in Leesport, PA.
DESCCO’s President Nick Stoltzfus is Friend Inc.’s primary contact for the project.
What is the layout of the new facility?
The new facility will include four main areas:
- The Food Pantry
- The Social Services meeting areas
- The Friend, Inc. offices and community space – including a training room and commercial kitchen
- The Warehouse & Loading Dock
What is the timeline for the buildout of the facility?
The building renovation plans have been designed and drafted. Friend Inc. will begin the renovation of the Food Pantry space in January 2026 with DESCCO with the intention to move out of the current Noble Street location in July 2026. This will allow increased funds to be dedicated to the project when the rent payments end and the mortgage payments begin through Friend, Inc.’s regular annual operating budget.
The next phase of the buildout will include the social services meeting areas and the office and community space. This phase of the project is targeted to begin during Fall 2026.
The additional phases of the project can be pursued as funds become available in the upcoming years.
How much money needs to be secured?
The project is estimated to cost $2.0 million dollars. This includes:
- Construction Phase I – Food Pantry Area and Building Infrastructure, Flooring & Main Systems: $800,000
- Construction Phase II – Social Service Offices & Community Space: $800,000
- Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment: $400,000
Additionally, Friend Inc. is looking to secure funding in the upcoming years to support the following aspirational projects:
- Mortgage Repayment: $350,000 – This is a stretch goal of the campaign that would allow Friend, Inc. to expand services to the community out of their annual operating budget.
- Solar: $100,000 – The property location and configuration would be well-suited for solar panels that could both reduce the annual utilities operating budget, as well as potentially serve as another source of income.
- Garage: $75,000 – The removal of the existing dilapidated and unusable garage structure would allow for either additional parking spaces, a garage for Friend Inc. vehicles or a community garden.
What if the funding dollars don’t come in until after the construction starts?
In anticipation of capital campaign funds being staggered over the upcoming years, Friend Inc. has received commitment through Fleetwood Bank that they can draw down funds in short-term loans up to a total building value of $1.1M. This unofficial appraisal was based on initial floor plan sketches that were shared with the bank. (The insurance secured for the project reflects a long-term replacement value of $2.2M for the project.)
From where will funds be raised for the capital campaign?
There are several key sources for leadership investments in this project that are currently under discussion:
State of Pennsylvania Funding from the Local Share Account: $800,000
Grant application sponsored by Senator Judy Schwank and submitted in November 2025. Grant award recipients to be announced in summer 2026.
Wyomissing Foundation: $300,000
Three year award granted February 2026
Breidegam Family Foundation: $635,000
Presentation in mid-December 2025 and Awaiting Decision in February 2026
Private Donation from Ziegler Family: $250,000
Gift of $250,000 confirmed in December 2025
These leadership commitments will ensure the project can move forward responsibly and sustainably. Once these leadership commitments are secured, Friend Inc. will enter a public phase of the capital campaign.
Why does this campaign matter to our community?
For decades, Friend, Inc. Community Services has supported neighbors in need across Northeastern Berks County — providing food, guidance, and stability during life’s most difficult moments. Yet throughout that time, the organization itself has never had a permanent home.
The ”A Home for Hope: Here to Stay” campaign changes that.
By purchasing and renovating a permanent facility, Friend, Inc. will ensure uninterrupted services, expand capacity, and strengthen its ability to help neighbors build resilience and self-sufficiency — now and for generations to come.
What does a permanent home for Friend, Inc. make possible?
The purchase and renovation of the Bieber Alley property allows a permanent home for Friend, Inc. This enables several key goals for the future of the non-profit organization:
- Stability: Ending the uncertainty of renting allows Friend, Inc. to plan, grow, and serve without disruption.
- Dignity: A thoughtfully designed space enables welcoming, respectful service for every neighbor.
- Resilience: Long-term ownership strengthens the Friend, Inc. organization so it can respond to future community needs.
- Empowerment: Stable infrastructure supports programs that help people regain independence and move forward.
