Mary's Shelter

About Mary’s Shelter

Located in the heart of Reading, PA, Mary’s Shelter is a dedicated homeless shelter and nonprofit association committed to offering a safe, nurturing haven for women and children in crisis. Since opening its doors, Mary’s Shelter has become synonymous with compassion, professional support, and an unwavering commitment to restoring hope and stability in the lives of those who need it most.

A Welcoming, Well-Maintained Facility

Stepping into Mary’s Shelter, guests are greeted by a bright, impeccably clean environment that feels both secure and uplifting. From the freshly painted walls to the organized community areas, this facility is designed to honor the dignity of each resident. Families and individuals often comment on the spotless common rooms, inviting play spaces for children, and thoughtfully arranged dining hall. One delighted guest noted, “Very clean and caring staff. Beautiful facility,” underscoring the warmth that springs from both the physical space and the people who maintain it.

Personalized Accommodation: “Your Space, Your Style”

One of Mary’s Shelter’s signature offerings is its fully customizable private rooms. Unlike more institutional settings, residents are free to personalize their space—whether by adding family photos, hanging artwork, or arranging furniture—so long as it remains tidy and respectful of shared areas. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership and normalcy during challenging times. As one grateful mother shared, “You even have your own room you’re allowed to customize to your liking as long as it is kept clean,” capturing how this small gesture can translate into a big boost of self-esteem.

Comprehensive Support Services

At its core, Mary’s Shelter is far more than a roof and a bed. The organization offers a broad spectrum of support services that range from emergency housing placement to long-term case management, counseling referrals, and life-skills workshops. Pregnant women and mothers in crisis consistently praise the shelter’s crisis pregnancy program, which pairs practical assistance—such as prenatal care coordination—with emotional and moral support. “Excellent support for mothers with crisis pregnancies, providing stability and professional assistance when they are most vulnerable,” a former resident testified. This blend of compassion and expertise helps families navigate complex systems, access community resources, and ultimately move toward self-sufficiency.

New Teen Wing: Filling a Vital Gap

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by homeless teenagers, Mary’s Shelter recently inaugurated a dedicated teen wing. This specialized unit combines age-appropriate programming, mentorship opportunities, and peer support groups to address educational continuity, mental-health awareness, and life planning. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with staff and volunteers collaborating to create a safe space where teens can heal, learn, and plan for their futures.

Compassion in Action: Meet Leini

Behind every success story at Mary’s Shelter is an empathetic team that goes above and beyond. One standout is Leini—often singled out by name in reviews for her unwavering dedication and genuine warmth. “Muchas gracias a todas, principalmente a Leini que es la encargada de atenderme. Pero todas son un amor,” exclaimed a grateful client, highlighting the personal touch that defines Mary’s Shelter’s culture. Whether coordinating a donation drive or offering a listening ear in a late-night crisis, Leini and her colleagues strive to ensure every resident feels valued and supported.

Friendly, Professional Staff (and Continuous Improvement)

While many guests rave about the shelter’s approachable, professional staff—calling them “VERY helpful & VERY nice!🤍”—Mary’s Shelter leadership recognizes that consistency is paramount. The organization takes feedback seriously, working to refine phone protocols, improve on-site service flows, and reinforce customer-care best practices. By investing in ongoing staff training and open communication channels, Mary’s Shelter aims to minimize any instances of abrupt hang-ups or misunderstandings, ensuring every call and visit is met with courtesy and prompt attention.

Clear, Fair Eligibility & Inclusive Outreach

Mary’s Shelter currently serves women and children under a defined age bracket, with targeted programs for young mothers up to age 21 and a separate teen wing. Though some applicants have found these criteria confusing, the shelter is committed to clarifying its guidelines and exploring options for clients living with mental-health challenges. Prospective residents are encouraged to reach out directly for a compassionate, case-by-case review of their circumstances. By balancing clear policies with individualized outreach, Mary’s Shelter strives to uphold fairness and inclusivity for all who seek its doors.

Communication & Responsiveness

Communication is at the heart of effective crisis intervention. Many donors and clients appreciate the swift greeting at the front desk and timely email follow-ups. At the same time, the shelter continues to address occasional delays and dropped calls by expanding its volunteer phone team and upgrading scheduling systems. These enhancements aim to ensure that every request—whether for a room, a donation pickup, or a support referral—receives the attention it deserves.

Join the Mission & Support Mary’s Shelter

Mary’s Shelter thrives on the generosity of community partners, volunteers, and donors who share its vision of dignity, empowerment, and renewed hope. Whether you’re looking to contribute in-kind gifts, sponsor a room makeover, or dedicate your time as a volunteer mentor, there are countless ways to get involved. Together, we can uphold Mary’s Shelter’s promise: a clean, welcoming place where every woman and child in Reading, PA, can rebuild with confidence and care.

For more information on eligibility, tours, or volunteer opportunities, please visit our website or call the main office. At Mary’s Shelter, every voice is heard, every struggle is honored, and every resident is given the tools to thrive.