Our Haven Foundation

What began as a grassroots campaign in the Spring of 2009 to attract a group of community volunteers with diverse experiences and backgrounds who share a commitment to sustaining and stimulating the growth and vitality of our Schuylkill Haven’s central business district has evolved into a more structured, purpose-driven organization and the creation of Our Haven Foundation (OHF).
While promoting Schuylkill Haven as a clean, safe community, Our Haven Foundation will be instrumental in defining how we can improve this community, building on its uniqueness by enhancing its charm and bringing merchants, shoppers, and residents back into downtown.

Mission Statement: “Dedicated to revitalizing Downtown Schuylkill Haven through strong partnerships and community activism.”

Fostering a mutually beneficial relationship in support of downtown revitalization – between residents, property owners, local government, and retail/service businesses – is our goal. OHF endorses a 5-pronged approach to revitalization that supports the Island Project; Walk-In Center; use of the Schuylkill River for recreational purposes; Penn State; and the Downtown.

OHF is an advocate of Pennsylvania’s 4-point Main Street Program, sponsored by the State’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The 4 points that define OHF’s Main Street Program Committees are: Organization; Promotion; Design; and Economic Restructuring.

OHF is committed to honoring the essential tenets of its Board-approved Vision Statement that addresses the question: “Where do we need to be in the year 2020?”

Vision Statement: A place where families, friends, and visitors will want to spend their time. A thriving business district will offer a variety of unique shops, restaurants, services, special events, and ample parking in a safe and inviting atmosphere. Historic architecture, tree-lined streets, comfortable benches, bright flowers, and festive seasonal decorations will provide an enjoyable downtown setting. Arts, entertainment, education, and recreation will benefit the residents of the Greater Schuylkill Haven area and provide visitors with memorable experiences that will bring them back time and time again.

Currently, Our Haven Foundation is in the stages of developing short- and long-term goals that will serve to make Schuylkill Haven a more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors. There are many ideas and plans under development including workshops and educational sessions for our residents and local businesses, clean-up days to spruce up Main Street facades, community events and festivities, and much more.

With continuing support, Schuylkill Haven can renew itself as a vibrant small town, with trees and parks and benches—a place to relax and enjoy life—where people want to bring their families to live, to have dinner, to shop, or to visit their favorite business. By bringing residential, business, and government resources together, Our Haven Foundation will make this happen! But we can’t do it without you.

Our Haven Foundation will be actively pursuing vital grant opportunities which would serve to fund many necessary improvements for our downtown area. The success of Our Haven Foundation is proportional to the amount of local support that is generated. Without the active participation and financial support of our stakeholders, our program cannot function. We are asking for your support.

If you are interested in helping us revitalize our community, please send a donation to:

Our Haven Foundation
P. O. Box 454
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
Questions may be directed to
David Norris, President
Our Haven Foundation
570-385-6081