Annual Point-In-Time count shows decrease in homelessness in Chester County
WEST CHESTER — An annual survey of the homeless population in Chester County showed a significant decline. The Chester County Department of Community Development and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness released the 2024 Point-In-Time count results at the county’s State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness event.
The results, presented to more than 120 partner organizations and stakeholders, revealed that 213 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on the night of Jan. 24, 2024. The PIT count — a manual national census of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on one night in January — showed a significant reduction compared with Chester County’s 2023 results.
WEST CHESTER — An annual survey of the homeless population in Chester County showed a significant decline.
The Chester County Department of Community Development and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness released the 2024 Point-In-Time count results at the county’s State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness event.
The results, presented to more than 120 partner organizations and stakeholders, revealed that 213 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on the night of Jan. 24, 2024. The PIT count — a manual national census of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on one night in January — showed a significant reduction compared with Chester County’s 2023 results.
Chester County organizations to host ‘poverty simulation’
Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness are hosting a role-playing event where community members “experience” the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. It’s called a “poverty simulation.”
Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness are hosting a role-playing event where community members “experience” the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. It’s called a “poverty simulation.”
Chester County Department of Community Development Receives $2 Million Federal Grant to Combat Homelessness
WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has been awarded more than $2 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds, part of the fiscal year 2023 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards, are specifically designated for initiatives focused on ending homelessness. The award reflects the ongoing commitment of the DCD and its partner agencies, including the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, to rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
DelVal Counties Offer Programs To Help Homeless People
Dolores Colligan, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, and Rob Henry, administrator for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, spoke with DVJournal. The county will spend about $3.5 million on the homeless problem this year. Last year, there were 436 homeless people in Chester County “on any given night,” said Henry. That includes 29 living outside. And 1,000 to 1,200 become “unhoused” over a year. Chester County also performs a one-night homeless count.
16 homeless Chester County residents who died honored
Sixteen homeless Chester County residents who died in the past year were remembered during a memorial service recently at the historic Chester County Courthouse. A candle was lit for each person who passed, while their names and ages were solemnly read, during National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2022.
Sixteen homeless Chester County residents who died in the past year were remembered during a memorial service recently at the historic Chester County Courthouse.
A candle was lit for each person who passed, while their names and ages were solemnly read, during National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2022.
Similar events were held nationwide to mark Dec. 21, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.
The goal of the memorial service that attracted almost three dozen attendees was to commemorate the men, women and children who died on the streets and in emergency shelters this year, to recommit to ending homelessness in Chester County and to prevent such deaths in the future.
Affordable housing unit opens in West Chester
Politicians, well-wishers and dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ribbon cutting of the Pinckney Hill Commons housing development. New residents are moving in to 51 recently constructed affordable housing units at Pinckney Hill Commons, at East Market Street, on the grounds of the Melton Center. With limits set on both the minimum and maximum required income for middle income residents, the apartments are attracting nurses, retail workers and school workers.
Politicians, well-wishers and dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ribbon cutting of the Pinckney Hill Commons housing development. New residents are moving in to 51 recently constructed affordable housing units at Pinckney Hill Commons, at East Market Street, on the grounds of the Melton Center.
With limits set on both the minimum and maximum required income for middle income residents, the apartments are attracting nurses, retail workers and school workers.
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell Hosts Community Groups and Legislators to Discuss Affordable Housing
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, in partnership with several nonprofit community organizations, hosted a legislative gathering this week at the West Chester University Graduate Center. The goal of the gathering was to share voices heard during recently held housing focus groups, and to explore ways legislators and community groups can work together to ensure affordable and accessible housing is available to all residents of Chester County.
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, in partnership with several nonprofit community organizations, hosted a legislative gathering this week at the West Chester University Graduate Center. The goal of the gathering was to share voices heard during recently held housing focus groups, and to explore ways legislators and community groups can work together to ensure affordable and accessible housing is available to all residents of Chester County.
The legislative gathering followed a series of six focus group sessions hosted by local nonprofits including Home of the Sparrow, Orion Communities, Act in Faith of Greater West Chester, Kennett Area Community Service, Community Youth and Women’s Alliance, Oxford Area Neighborhood Services, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, Oxford Silo, Black Women of Chester County in Action, and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness in partnership with The Housing Alliance of PA. The goal of the focus groups was listening to and lifting the voices of people with lived experience and expertise to make substantial positive changes in the rust belt, rural, and inner ring suburb communities. A total of 61 individuals shared their testimonies and experiences regarding housing in Chester County.
Chesco commits to rehousing 150 households and building 350 affordable units
Chester County has committed to rehoming 150 households and adding 350 affordable housing units through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’ House America Initiative.
Chester County has committed to rehoming 150 households and adding 350 affordable housing units through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’ House America Initiative.
Chesco’s Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation announcing the county’s involvement in the program at Wednesday’s public meeting. “The board pledges to work with HUD and USICH to make effective use of American Rescue Plan, CARES Act, and other federal, state, and local resources to address homelessness and ensure that all residents at all income levels have a safe and affordable place to live,” Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said.
Chester County homeless population decreases by 23%
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County has taken a nosedive in 2022. The latest headcount shows a 23% decrease in homelessness over the past two years.
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County has taken a nosedive in 2022. The latest headcount shows a 23% decrease in homelessness over the past two years.
“I’m so glad — relieved that the number is going down. We’re not there … We still have 400 people that are homeless. But to have a reduction of 23%, given the economy and everything that goes on, I think it’s a really good sign for the future,” Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said.
Guaranteed (Rent) to Help Your Community
Calling all Chester County Landlords: Nine months after losing their homes to Hurricane Ida, 12 residents in Chester County are still living in hotels while they seek affordable housing. You can help these residents move to more stable housing, and they can help you with guaranteed rent.
Calling all Chester County Landlords:
More than one year after losing their home to Hurricane Ida, one renter in Chester County is still living out of a hotel and seeking an affordable place to live.
Landlords, we can help you, and you can help this Hurricane Ida victim. This renter has a subsidy which guarantees a portion of or the entire rent. Plus, we are offering a $1,000 incentive to any landlord who has a first floor apartment available for this renter.
Landlords who have worked with the Housing Locator program have already helped flood victims move into new apartments utilizing housing vouchers and emergency rental assistance.
One recently housed Hurricane Ida victim broke down in tears of joy because of the outpouring of compassion and support finding housing and furnishings. Volunteers from the Mission Community Church provided new pots, plates, cups, and other housewares, in addition to finding end tables, a sofa, and rug for the new apartment. Neighbors came by to help put together furniture and paint walls. The collective care for this one individual made all the difference to them.
We have just one more renter in need of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. You can help. We need landlords like you to provide a place to live.
Make a difference by renting to a family displaced by Hurricane Ida and receive reliable monthly payment and a $1,000 signing bonus.
If you are a landlord in Chester County and are interested in participating, please contact Jen Manthey, disaster relief coordinator for Brandywine Valley Active Aging:
Email: jen@bvactiveaging.org
Phone: 484-889-5715
Chester County issues plea for rental property owners to open their doors to Ida victims
Chester County is again urgently asking property owners with homes for rent to open their doors to the 38 people from 17 households who are still living in a hotel six months after their homes were destroyed by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Many of the families have County-issued federally funded housing vouchers, which would cover the rent, but the lack of available apartments has kept these families stuck in limbo.
Chester County is again urgently asking property owners with homes for rent to open their doors to the 38 people from 17 households who are still living in a hotel six months after their homes were destroyed by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Many of the families have County-issued federally funded housing vouchers, which would cover the rent, but the lack of available apartments has kept these families stuck in limbo.
‘I can’t get out’: These families lost their homes in Hurricane Ida. They’re stuck in hotels six months later
Courtney Ryan is still living in a hotel. In the six months since Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters devastated the region, her baby boy has had his first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, and first birthday at the Hammock Inn in Exton. Her older son, who has special needs, has struggled with being in a confined hotel room. And, like others who lost their homes in the storm, Ryan and her boyfriend haven’t been able to find anywhere to live.
Courtney Ryan is still living in a hotel. In the six months since Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters devastated the region, her baby boy has had his first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, and first birthday at the Hammock Inn in Exton. Her older son, who has special needs, has struggled with being in a confined hotel room. And, like others who lost their homes in the storm, Ryan and her boyfriend haven’t been able to find anywhere to live.
Chester County asks for responses to equity survey
The Chester County agency that provides funding for housing, neighborhood improvement, workforce development and other social services is conducting an internet survey about how its work measures up when it comes to equity, fairness and justice. The county Department of Community Development is asking those interested to complete the anonymous, multi-question social equity survey that is available on its website section at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCDsocialequity
The Chester County agency that provides funding for housing, neighborhood improvement, workforce development and other social services is conducting an internet survey about how its work measures up when it comes to equity, fairness and justice. The county Department of Community Development is asking those interested to complete the anonymous, multi-question social equity survey that is available on its website section at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCDsocialequity
Chester County officials remember 13 people who died homeless in 2021
Chester County joined communities across the nation Tuesday in remembering those who died in 2021 without a place to call home. Just before sundown on what would be the longest night of the year, members of the Chester County community gathered in front of the Historic Chester County Courthouse to hear the names slowly read of the 13 individuals who passed away while living on the street. A pause of silence between each name allowed for a time of contemplation.
Chester County joined communities across the nation Tuesday in remembering those who died in 2021 without a place to call home. Just before sundown on what would be the longest night of the year, members of the Chester County community gathered in front of the Historic Chester County Courthouse to hear the names slowly read of the 13 individuals who passed away while living on the street. A pause of silence between each name allowed for a time of contemplation.
After Devastating Apartment Fire, Chester County Supercharges System To Divert 50 Families From Homelessness
In July 2020, Built for Zero community of Chester County, Pennsylvania, experienced a devastating fire at the Ashwood Apartment building, which destroyed 45 homes and displaced 50 families. One hundred people in total lost their homes and everything in it, creating vulnerability for inflow into the community’s primary homeless response system after the events of a single night.
In July 2020, Built for Zero community of Chester County, Pennsylvania, experienced a devastating fire at the Ashwood Apartment building, which destroyed 45 homes and displaced 50 families. One hundred people in total lost their homes and everything in it, creating vulnerability for inflow into the community’s primary homeless response system after the events of a single night.
Chester County officials launch partnership to end homelessness
Chester County is marking National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by launching the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, a new program reflecting a reinforced commitment to helping the most vulnerable among us find or keep a stable place to live.
Chester County is marking National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by launching the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, a new program reflecting a reinforced commitment to helping the most vulnerable among us find or keep a stable place to live.
Chester County, the wealthiest in the state, launches new initiative to combat homelessness
Organized by the county's Department of Community Development, the partnership aims to make the public more aware of available resources and end the stigma associated with the issue.
Organized by the county's Department of Community Development, the partnership aims to make the public more aware of available resources and end the stigma associated with the issue.
¡Lanzamiento de la campaña de concientización pública!
Decade to Doorways y el condado de Chester reconocieron los esfuerzos incansables y el progreso significativo de la asociación Decade to Doorways de agencias locales, empresas, comunidades religiosas y vecinos para poner fin a la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para 2022.
Decade to Doorways y el condado de Chester reconocieron los esfuerzos incansables y el progreso significativo de la asociación Decade to Doorways de agencias locales, empresas, comunidades religiosas y vecinos para poner fin a la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para 2022.
Decade to Doorways anunció la nueva campaña de concientización pública para mostrar la compasión activa detrás de escena y el apoyo inquebrantable que la asociación brinda a nuestra comunidad a diario.
Decade to Doorways COVID-19 Response
The community has had to adapt and respond creatively to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in need during the current health crisis.
The community has had to adapt and respond creatively to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in need during the current health crisis.
DCD staff transitioned over 100 community members residing in emergency shelters and places not meant for human habitation into area hotels. “Using hotels was deemed the best means of ensuring the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members,” said Pat Bokovitz.
Since the start of the pandemic, in mid-March, over 50 households have taken part in a housing program that has resulted in being placed in permanent housing or who are currently looking for a permanent home.
One of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania says it’s finally close to ending homelessness
Since 2011, Chester County has been pouring time and money into reaching a lofty goal: ending homelessness within 10 years. “I’ve never seen the momentum we have now,” one advocate said as the deadline looms.
After a relationship ended three years ago, Michael Thomas had to move out. He found himself homeless for the first time in his life.
By The Philadelphia Inquirer
Since 2011, Chester County has been pouring time and money into reaching a lofty goal: ending homelessness within 10 years. “I’ve never seen the momentum we have now,” one advocate said as the deadline looms.
After a relationship ended three years ago, Michael Thomas had to move out. He found himself homeless for the first time in his life.