The Pottstown Regional Community Foundation uses community-based research and local data to guide informed, effective decisions. By collecting and analyzing information across our region, we help ensure that programs, grants, and partnerships meet real needs and deliver measurable results. We collaborate with nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and residents to promote transparency, build trust, and strengthen outcomes. Our goal is to make reliable data accessible and actionable, so that every step we take reflects both evidence and the voices of the communities we serve.
The 2023 Pottstown Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), led by the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, presents critical insights into the health, economic, and social conditions facing residents in six of Pottstown’s most underserved neighborhoods. These census blocks are home to a population that is nearly two-thirds Black and Latino, with a median household income of $25,000. More than 500 residents participated in the survey through online, phone, and in-person methods, making this one of the most inclusive and community-focused health assessments ever conducted in the region.
Key findings highlight urgent needs related to health disparities, mental health, housing instability, food insecurity, and access to care. Nearly 26 percent of respondents rated their overall health as poor or fair, and over 37 percent reported having received a mental health diagnosis. A large portion of working adults earn below a livable wage, and 13 percent of respondents are uninsured. Barriers to employment such as lack of childcare, transportation, and education or job training were frequently reported. Residents also described challenges accessing local parks, consistent health screenings, and affordable fresh food. Experiences of racial discrimination in workplaces, schools, and housing further reinforce the call for systemic, equity-centered solutions.
This assessment is a strategic tool for regional planning, policy development, and nonprofit collaboration. By identifying community-specific needs and resource gaps, it provides a roadmap for grantmaking, advocacy, and targeted investment in the Pottstown area. The data is essential for organizations looking to improve health equity, expand social services, and strengthen economic opportunity throughout the borough and beyond.
The 2023 CHNA builds on a long history of health assessments in the region. Since 2004, the Foundation has completed five community health needs assessments, offering a longitudinal view of Pottstown’s health trends, demographics, and disparities. Previous reports, conducted in 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2018, have shaped the Foundation’s strategic direction and provided valuable insights for community partners. These assessments serve as trusted resources for funders, public agencies, and local leaders, helping drive measurable improvements in health and wellness across the TriCounty area.
The Foundation routinely partners with regional and national experts to explore the complex issues facing our communities. These in-depth studies and reports serve as valuable resources for grant-related planning, program development, and understanding health and well-being in the Pottstown region. Each report contains a variety of reliable data and actionable insights, created to inform decisions and highlight opportunities for positive change. We share this research to support evidence-based solutions, encourage collaboration, and provide tools that can help strengthen our community over time.
This in-depth report, commissioned by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, formerly, Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, presents a comprehensive proposal for advancing equitable transit-oriented development (ETOD) in Pottstown, PA. As the region prepares for the potential return of passenger rail service, the report outlines how targeted investment in infrastructure can drive inclusive economic growth, reduce displacement, and increase access to affordable housing, living-wage jobs, and reliable public transit. With 33 strategic recommendations and a strong focus on community voice and equity, the report provides essential data and insights for grant planning, policy development, and regional revitalization efforts. This research serves as a resource for stakeholders across Montgomery County and the greater Pottstown region, aiming to position Pottstown as a model for equitable, sustainable redevelopment in Pennsylvania.
The COCSI Data Summary 2020 report, created by the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, formerly, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, in collaboration with Tri-County Community Network, provides a detailed overview of how COVID-19 affected nonprofit organizations in the Pottstown region. Based on responses from Executive Directors, the report highlights widespread service disruptions, significant revenue losses (with nearly 70 percent anticipating a reduction of up to 40 percent), and a steep decline in volunteer participation. Over 85 percent of organizations experienced canceled programs or events, while many reported barriers to remote work and increased demand for services.
The report also examines diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, showing that nearly 80 percent of nonprofits have relevant policies, but only 16 percent are led by people of color. It identifies key challenges faced by organizations serving vulnerable populations such as economically disadvantaged individuals, youth, and food-insecure households. The findings point to a need for stronger collaboration, increased financial support, and more strategic partnerships to strengthen nonprofit resilience and equity in the region’s recovery efforts.
The 2019 Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Services Report presents a strategic revitalization plan for Pottstown, Pennsylvania, focused on economic development, housing improvement, workforce readiness, and community collaboration. Guided by national experts in urban planning, real estate, and economic policy, the report outlines clear solutions to long-standing local challenges including outdated housing stock, workforce skill gaps, regulatory delays, and a lack of unified leadership. It emphasizes the need for a cohesive economic vision, better infrastructure investment, and more effective public-private partnerships.
Key recommendations include activating Pottstown’s downtown and riverfront, increasing affordable and mixed-use housing, streamlining business approval processes, and launching a comprehensive workforce initiative led by local organizations. The report also calls for targeted marketing, enhanced collaboration among anchor institutions, and a strong focus on community engagement. Designed as a practical blueprint, this plan positions Pottstown to become a thriving regional hub with long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth.
The 2019 Pottstown Area Regional Recreation and Parks Study is a comprehensive planning document that assesses the current state of parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities across seven municipalities in the Pottstown region. Led by Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, formerly, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, and the Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee (PARRC), the study outlines key strategies to enhance community health, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability through coordinated investment in parks and trails. The study emphasizes the importance of regional collaboration, improved maintenance standards, and expanded access to recreation for all ages and abilities.
Key recommendations include developing a connected trail system, expanding nature-based recreation, improving ADA accessibility, and targeting underserved neighborhoods for park improvements. The report also supports marketing and branding efforts to boost public awareness and engagement, along with funding strategies that include grants, partnerships, and shared municipal resources. This study serves as a blueprint for building a vibrant, connected, and equitable recreation network that supports Pottstown’s long-term livability and regional appeal.
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation connects philanthropic intentions with our community’s most impactful economic, social, and educational needs to improve the quality of life for all residents today and tomorrow.
152 East High Street, Suite 500
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 323-2006
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