ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A proven tool in the ongoing fight against addiction is back in downtown Allentown.
Change on Hamilton held its grand opening on Friday.
Officials say they will soon be able to provide recovery services to more people.
Those services have been moved to the second floor and work crews are renovating the space that Change on Hamilton has occupied for about four years.
Change on Hamilton does not provide treatment, but helps those battling addiction with job training, housing assistance, and daily living needs.
“Our primary mission is to serve everyone at every level of recovery. We provide services and case management by CRS Certified Recovery Specialists,” said Program Director Keith Smith. ” he said.
Change on Hamilton is also Lehigh County’s overdose prevention hub for Narcan and Fentanyl strip distribution.
Smith says having these resources available makes a huge difference.
“Similar to Allentown and Lehigh County, we’ve seen a significant drop in overdose deaths,” Smith said. “The numbers are going down. That’s why Narcan is coming into play. Individuals may come to the center and pick up Narcan. There’s no cost associated with that.”
Change on Hamilton has helped hundreds of people since opening. There are people like Eva.
“Hamilton’s transformation has been an essential part of my recovery. It’s life and life-changing for me, and it takes my breath away every time I come here,” Eva said.
Now, that mission has expanded even further. The first level will soon focus on resources for families.
“When you take a step toward recovery, sometimes you don’t have as much support around you as you need. You need a new community. You need a soft place to land,” said Molly Stanton with Lehigh County Drug. This center is perfect for you.” And alcohol funds Hamilton’s transformation.
Officials are currently working through the permitting process with the city of Allentown, but say they hope to have a family program up and running on the first floor in early 2025.
