Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Chester County

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week occurs every year the week before Thanksgiving and serves as a time to reflect on two interconnected challenges facing communities across the U.S., including in Chester County: hunger and homelessness. This year, the week occurs Nov. 17-23. As living costs rise, many individuals in Chester County face housing and food insecurity. Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) aims to use a housing-first lens to make strides toward long-term stability for the residents of Chester County. 

Hunger, Homelessness and the Housing-First Approach

Hunger and homelessness are deeply connected. According to the Urban Institute, food insecurity rates have been rising since 2022, and 52.2% of lower-income households (those below 200% of the federal poverty level) report food insecurity, up from previous years. Individuals experiencing homelessness often fall into this low-income household category.

The housing-first approach suggests that securing stable housing should be the primary goal when addressing hunger. Once individuals have stable housing, this becomes a foundation for addressing other challenges. With permanent shelter, individuals and families can more easily access community resources, job opportunities and social services that help combat food insecurity.

The State of Homelessness in Chester County

Thanks to the work of our network of partners, Chester County continues to see a steady decrease in the number of people entering participating emergency shelters in our community over the past five years, from 1,259 in 2019 to 741 in 2023 (a 41% decrease). In addition, the County has seen a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time, from 694 in 2022 to 529 in 2023 (a 24% decrease). Read more about the state of homelessness in our county in our Chester County 2024 Continuum of Care System Performance Data Report or the 2024 Point-in-Time Count. 

However, there is still work to be done to eliminate homelessness in our community and inequities are still apparent – 11% of people experiencing homelessness have been identified as potentially chronically homeless, and people of color make up 62% of those experiencing homelessness in our community. 

National Overview of Hunger and Housing Solutions

The challenges of hunger and homelessness are not limited to Chester County — they are part of a nationwide crisis. According to the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) 2024 Report by United Way, 41% of households in Pennsylvania were below the ALICE threshold in 2022. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to meet basic living costs, often having to make impossible choices like paying rent or buying food. Rising costs and reduced pandemic assistance have made it more difficult for families to keep up with essential expenses. 

The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) Out of Reach 2024 Report also underscores the gap between wages and the cost of basic housing across the country, highlighting that renters with low incomes are finding it increasingly challenging to afford even modest rental homes. For example, in Chester County, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,737 per month. To afford this without spending more than 30% of their income, a household would need to earn approximately $33.40 per hour — much higher than the minimum wage. Exploring the report reveals that this challenge is mirrored in many communities nationwide. 

The ALICE and NLIHC data demonstrate that the housing-first model is crucial for overcoming food insecurity nationwide, and affordable housing is a necessary first step toward security in all other aspects of an individual’s life. Stable housing not only provides shelter but also a foundation for families to achieve greater financial stability, access education, maintain employment, and address other critical needs.

How You Can Help

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a meaningful time to take action to help those in need. CCPEH plays a vital role in addressing both hunger and homelessness. By prioritizing permanent housing and providing essential services, CCPEH helps residents move from temporary shelters to stable homes. Our housing-first model ensures that individuals have the support they need to remain housed long-term. The data continues to show that housing-first works in helping individuals and families remain housed. 91% of people who exited from a program to permanent housing did not return to homelessness two years later. Of those individuals who were enrolled in permanent housing programs, 97% remained in permanent supportive housing or exited to permanent housing. 

Community donations are critical to maintaining these programs and ensuring they continue to support those most vulnerable. Whether by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness, every contribution helps. This Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, consider supporting the CCPEH Partnership fund. Contributions go directly toward programs that provide stable housing, food security and a brighter future for those in need.

NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: National Trends

It’s evident that the road to housing equity is filled with challenges. Low-income renters are facing soaring rents and mounting housing instability, especially as the supports from pandemic-era benefit programs dwindle away. For too many, safe, stable, and affordable housing still remains frustratingly out of reach.

But here's the important part: we can change this narrative. NLIHC and our dedicated partners nationwide are joining forces to call on Congress for real action. We believe it's time to tackle the deep-seated issues of housing affordability head-on.

Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach:

1. Investing in New Affordable Housing: We need to build more affordable housing to meet the demand.

2. Preserving Existing Affordable Homes: Let's ensure that the affordable rental homes we already have stay that way.

3. Universal Rental Assistance: Bridging the income-rent gap with universal rental assistance can make housing affordable for everyone.

4. Emergency Assistance: When financial crises strike, emergency assistance can stabilize renters.

5. Strong Renter Protections: Establishing robust renter protection safeguards against unfair practices.

Together, we can pave the way for housing equity, where every individual and family can find and maintain decent, accessible, and affordable housing. A member of our lived experience advisory board said it best: “We are breaking the stigma.” 

Let's stand together and make it happen. To learn more about what you can do, please visit our affordable housing advocacy webpage.

PHFA 2023 ChesCo Profile - Racial Demographics & Disparities

There's a crucial aspect we cannot ignore: our county's diversity. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) make up about a quarter of our community. 

Yet, we also recognize that housing affordability is not experienced equally by all our residents. Inequitable housing policies, discriminatory practices, and systemic barriers contribute to housing affordability challenges faced by marginalized communities. Limited affordable housing options, rising costs, and income disparities create significant hurdles for individuals and families, particularly those from historically disadvantaged racial backgrounds.

These disparities remind us that, despite our progress, there's more work to be done to ensure equity in housing for everyone in Chester County. We must work together to create a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape. Chester County thrives when all its residents can find safe, affordable, and stable homes.

If you're interested in delving deeper into the issue of racial disparities and homelessness, we invite you to explore this resource by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

ALICE Household Survival Budget in Chester County

Traditional economic measures don't fully account for essential expenses. United For ALICE offers county-specific budgets for different household types in Pennsylvania to more accurately assess living costs. These budgets establish the minimum expenses required to sustain a household in today's economy and determine if households are above or below the ALICE Threshold for each county.

According to 2021 data provided by United for ALICE, housing alone (rent and utilities) in Chester County:

• Makes up approximately 38% of a $2,969 monthly survival budget for a single adult household. 

• Makes up approximately 25% monthly of a $6,559 survival budget for a household with two adults and two children. 

• Makes up approximately 27% of a $4,977 monthly survival budget for a household with two seniors. 

By recognizing the true cost of living and supporting initiatives that provide affordable housing and financial stability, we can work towards the goal of ending homelessness in Chester County. 

Supporting our organization allows us to provide resources and opportunities to people in our community, such as the people on our Lived Experience Advisory Board. One board member shared, “It really boosts our self-confidence.”

Let's work together to ensure that every individual and family has a safe and stable place to call home. Learn more about how to volunteer or give to one of our partner organizations so you can make a difference. 

NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: National Trends - Housing and Wage Inequalities

On a national level, the 2023 Out of Reach Report shows that the gap between how much people earn and how much they have to pay for housing is biggest for people of color, especially women of color. Why is that? Well, it's because of a history of unfair housing policies that have made it harder for people of color to find decent and affordable homes.

Let's break it down with some numbers: Black, Latino, and Native American workers are often stuck in jobs that don't pay as much as jobs held by White workers. Even when they have the same jobs, People of Color still get paid less than their White peers. For instance: nationally, the median wage of a full-time White worker is about $2.23 per hour higher than what's needed for a one-bedroom apartment. But for a full-time Black worker, they make 73 cents/hour less than what would be needed for that one-bedroom apartment. And for a Latino worker in the same role, they make about $1.84 less. The disparities grow more pronounced for women of color: Black and Latina female workers earn median wages that are $3.96 and $5.47 less, respectively, than what would be needed to afford one-bedroom housing. 

The impact of these disparities is huge. People of Color are more likely to be renters, and when housing costs go up, they feel the pinch the most. For example, extremely low-income renters make up about 19% of Black households, 17% of American Indian or Alaska Native households, and 14% of Latino households, while only 6% of White households are in the same boat.

During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, it's clear we need to step up to create a more equal and fair society, where everyone, regardless of their background or skin color, can find a safe and affordable place to call home. One of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members shared, “I have something meaningful to offer.” Make a donation today to help us advance racial and economic equity in our community. 

NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: Minimum Wage to Afford a Two Bedroom Home in Chester Country

Let's reflect on the findings of the Out of Reach 2023 report, published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). The report unveils a concerning reality: the significant disparity between people's wages and the cost of modest rental housing across the United States. This comprehensive report dissects the affordability crisis, examining the affordability gap in every state, county, metropolitan area and combined non-metropolitan area. 

To afford a modest two-bedroom apartment here, an income of at least $28.27 per hour (or an annual salary of $58,800) is required. This translates to the staggering fact that approximately 3.9 full-time jobs at minimum wage are necessary just to secure a two-bedroom place to live in our county. 

These numbers are more than statistics; they represent the daily struggles of our neighbors. As one of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members said, “When you’re homeless it’s really hard on your confidence.” 

We advocate for housing policies that can bridge this gap and ensure everyone in Chester County has a safe and affordable place to call home. Together, we can make a difference. 

ALICE in PA: Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed

In Chester County, PA, a deeper dive into the numbers reveals some crucial insights. While the largest population of households below the ALICE Threshold (asset-limited, Income Constrained, Employed) often corresponds with larger demographic groups, it's essential to look beyond the surface. When we examine the proportion of each group facing financial challenges, disparities become evident.

Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and people of mixed race are disproportionately represented in ALICE counts compared to their White counterparts, based on 2021 data. This is a stark reminder that economic inequality is not evenly distributed.

So, why does this matter? Because equitable economic policies are not just about numbers; they're about people. To truly end homelessness in Chester County, we must address these disparities head-on, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at economic stability and secure housing. It's a collective effort, and together, we can make a difference. To learn more about what you can do, please visit our affordable housing advocacy webpage.

ALICE in PA: Number of Households in Financial Hardship in PA

According to official measures, 12% of households in Pennsylvania (equivalent to 636,093 households) were considered to be in poverty in 2021 based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, ALICE data tells a different story. An additional 27% (1.4 million households) fall into the ALICE category - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are families and individuals who earn above the poverty line but still can't make ends meet in their communities.

So, what does this mean for Pennsylvania? Of the 5.2 million households in our state, a staggering 39% (over 2 million households) had incomes below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2021. This includes households in poverty and ALICE households, all struggling to afford the basics they need to thrive.

Let's ensure that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their income, has access to the essentials they need for a stable and dignified life. Learn more about what you can do to advocate for affordable housing in our community. 

Homelessness Awareness Week: Nov. 11-18, 2023

As a community, we possess the power to create positive change. This year, our theme for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2023 is "Home for Every Heart". Our campaign will shed light on two crucial aspects of our work: the importance of supporting both the development of affordable housing, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience.

Affordable housing provides stability, security and the foundation upon which individuals and families can rebuild their lives. Today is also Veteran’s Day, and it’s important to recognize that about 35% of the individuals in interim housing in our community identify as veterans. Our work to find long-term, affordable housing for all of the veterans in our community continues. Throughout this week, we will explore the critical role affordable housing plays in preventing and ending homelessness across the nation. 

To truly understand and address the complexities of homelessness, we must listen to those who have experienced it firsthand. Their stories and insights are invaluable in shaping effective solutions. Throughout the week, we will feature the voices of individuals who have walked the path from homelessness to stability, highlighting their resilience and the lessons we can learn from their journeys. 

As one of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members put it, “I believe I can help people, because of all the experiences I have been through.”

Join us in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and taking action. Throughout the week, we will host a series of initiatives aimed at bringing us closer to our goal: a Chester County where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. Stay tuned for updates throughout Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2023!