Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2024 Continuum of Care System Performance Data

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.

What is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.  Each year, we report our system performance data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement. According to HUD, an effective coordinated entry system ensures that assistance is allocated as effectively as possible and that is to access no matter where or how people present.


How do we measure success?

To measure the efficacy of our system overall, HUD requires we look for:

  • an overall decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness,

  • a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time, and

  • a decrease in the length of stay in emergency shelters and transitional housing.

  • decrease in the rate of returns to homelessness,

  • successful employment or income growth, and

  • successful placement/retention from permanent housing.


What does the data tell us?

People Entering Shelters and First-Time Homelessness

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 in the last year, from 694 in 2022 to 529 in 2023 (a 24% decrease).

The decrease in the overall number of people entering shelters and those experiencing homelessness for the first time could be attributed to increased prevention efforts, including housing relocation, stabilization services, and eviction prevention case resolution. Additionally, two Grant and Per Diem transitional housing organizations, Fresh Start and the Veterans Multiservice Center, closed their programs at the end of their lease with the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center on March 31, 2023.


Length of Stay in Emergency Shelters

The average length of stay in emergency shelters has increased by 61% from 103 days in 2022 to 128 days in 2023. The median length of stay in emergency shelters has increased by 43% from 74 days in 2022 to 106 days in 2023.

The increase in the average length of stay could be attributed to continued inflation, the high cost of housing, fewer openings in the rapid rehousing programs, and fewer vouchers issued through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, as well as other demographic shifts and health factors affecting people experiencing homelessness. 


Housing Assistance and Stability Services

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services while the Housing First approach supports stable housing and individual choice as a foundation for meeting basic needs, accessing support services, and achieving long-term goals.

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.

Roughly 44% of individuals leaving CoC funded programs in 2023 increased their total income thanks to case management support to find employment or job training opportunities as well as support enrolling in government assistance and benefits programs (e.g. SSI, SSDI, etc) that helps set them up for long-term stability and well-being.

Similarly, nearly 42% staying in CoC funded programs in 2023 also increased their total income.

 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 
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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2024 Point-in-Time Count

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.

Homelessness in Chester County at one point in time.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

On the evening of Wednesday, January 24 and early hours of Thursday, January 25, 2024 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count (PIT). This is a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress. The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness.


Total PIT Count

213 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on Wednesday January 24, 2024. Over the last five years, the Point-in-Time Count has counted fewer people experiencing homelessness, from 517 people in 2019 to 213 people in 2024 (a 59% decrease). In 2021, Chester County did not conduct a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count due to COVID-19. In this year’s PIT report, the total number of people counted as experiencing homelessness is much lower than expected.

The County’s goal is to decrease the total count over time, and the PIT only shows a small part of the much bigger reality of homelessness in our community. Part of the decrease this year could be attributed to the many prevention efforts across the county, including eviction prevention case resolution, the expansion of housing first training programs, an increase in affordable housing groups, and our fair housing education and prevention efforts specifically for migrant workers. Our communities also experienced fewer natural disasters this year; and in September 2023, families displaced by the Oxford fire were rapidly rehoused through the tremendous efforts by so many in that community. 

Additionally, there are other factors that explain why there was such an unexpected decrease in this year’s count. The two Grant and Per Diem transitional housing organizations, Fresh Start and the Veterans Multiservice Center, closed their programs at the end of their lease with the Coatesville VAMC on March 31, 2023. In last year’s PIT report, these programs accounted for 141 Veterans.

We know that PIT data relies on a manual count of homelessness and only shows a snapshot of homelessness in our community. Because each year the numbers vary, we utilize and present this data jointly with our Continuum of Care System Performance Data for a more holistic view of homelessness in Chester County. Together, both sets of data serve as an important tool for educating the public about homelessness, improving housing services, and advocating for the development of more affordable housing.


Demographic Breakdown

Race

Systemic racism has created disparities and inequities within our community that contribute to disproportionately higher numbers of Black people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. People who identify as Black or African American make up just 6% of Chester County’s population, yet they make up 31% of people experiencing homelessness in our community. 43 people or 20% identified, at least in part, as Hispanic/Latina/e/o. 

On any given night, people of color make up 62% of those experiencing homelessness in our community. 

A demographic summary by race is as follows:

  • 4 people identified as American Indian, Alaska Native, or Indigenous

  • 1 person identified as Asian or Asian American,

  • 58 people identified as Black, African American, or African,

  • 11 people identified as Hispanic/Latina/e/o,

  • 81 people identified as White,

  • 58 people identified as Multi-Racial, including:

    • 8 as Black, African American, or African & Hispanic/Latina/e/o,

    • 21 as White & Hispanic/Latina/e/o,

    • 3 as Multi-Racial & Hispanic/Latina/e/o; and,

    • 26 as Multi-Racial (all other).

Households With Children

On any given night, 30% of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County are children. The 2024 PIT counted 63 children under age 18 staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

101 individuals or 47% of people experiencing homelessness are part of families with children. The causes of homelessness in our community vary, and so do the people. No one expects to become homeless, but everyone deserves a supportive pathway back to stable housing.

Women and Homelessness

51 individuals or 34% of adults experiencing homelessness identify as female. 

Chronic Homelessness

23 individuals or 11% of people experiencing homelessness have been identified as potentially chronically homeless, defined by HUD as someone who is currently homeless or has been residing in an institutional care facility for less than 90 days, has a disability, and has been homeless for 12 months or more, including families where the head of household—whether the head of household is an adult or a minor—has been homeless.

Veterans and Homelessness

6 individuals or 4% of adults in emergency shelters identify as Veterans.

Veteran status of unsheltered individuals is unknown.

The two Grant and Per Diem transitional housing organizations, Fresh Start and the Veterans Multiservice Center, closed their programs at the end of their lease with the Coatesville VAMC on March 31, 2023. In last year’s PIT report, these programs accounted for 141 Veterans.


Sheltered Homelessness

194 people were living in a public or private temporary shelter, including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels. 

Sheltered Homelessness by Type and Household

The emergency shelter count totaled 149 people, including 62 individuals in households with children and 87 individuals in households without children.

The transitional housing count totaled 45 people, including 39 individuals in households with children and 6 individuals in households without children.


Unsheltered Homelessness

19 people were sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, or camping ground.

Unsheltered Homelessness by Location

The PIT counted people from across the county, including the following locations:

  • Phoenixville (2),

  • Coatesville (4),

  • Downingtown/Thorndale (1),

  • Parkesburg/Atglen/Honey Brook (1),

  • West Chester (4),

  • Malvern/Paoli/Exton (1),

  • Kennett Square (2), and

  • Oxford (4).

 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 
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News Genesis Rubio News Genesis Rubio

People can’t afford to live here, say Chester County housing activists

WEST GOSHEN - It is something of a mantra recited by leaders in Chester County that their home is a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. And while that it is almost certainly true, it is also evident that it is not necessarily an affordable place to live, work, raise a family and retire, especially if you have a household that falls below the median income of $110,000.

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News Genesis Rubio News Genesis Rubio

Chester County’s homeless population rises for first time since 2020

Up until last year, the county had made steady progress when many neighboring jurisdictions struggled to combat the housing crisis, “We continue to look for opportunities to develop more affordable housing. Unfortunately, in this market, it’s become increasingly difficult to find safe, decent, and affordable housing — despite our efforts to create more housing over the past few years,” said Shaun Bollig, deputy director for the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD).

“Chester County’s homeless population rose for the first time since 2020.

Data from Chester County’s 2023 Point-In-Time count tallied 436 unhoused people on Jan. 25, an eight percent increase from 2022. The latest numbers from Pennsylvania’s wealthiest county — which previously pledged to end chronic homelessness by 2021 — are not an encouraging sign.

Up until last year, the county had made steady progress when many neighboring jurisdictions struggled to combat the housing crisis, “We continue to look for opportunities to develop more affordable housing. Unfortunately, in this market, it’s become increasingly difficult to find safe, decent, and affordable housing — despite our efforts to create more housing over the past few years,” said Shaun Bollig, deputy director for the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD).”

Click the button to view the full WHYY article, written by Kenny Cooper:

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2023 Point-in-Time Count

On the evening of Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count. The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness.

Homelessness in Chester County at one point in time.

On the evening of Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count.* The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness.


 

436 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on January 25, 2023

 

 

Homelessness Over the Last 5 Years**

 

Race

Ethnicity


33% (or 144) individuals identify as female

37% (or 163) individuals in families with children

25% (or 109) children under age 18


35% (or 141) individuals in interim housing identify as veterans***

10% (or 42) individuals were identified as chronically homeless


 

29 people were sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.

 

Chester County point-in-time count map of unsheltered homelessness
 

Unsheltered Homelessness By Location

Coatesville: 5 individuals
Downingtown/Thorndale: 3 individuals
Kennett Square: 3 individuals
Malvern/Paoli/Exton: 2 individuals
Oxford: 5 individuals
Parkesburg/Atglen/Honey Brook: 4 individuals
Phoenixville: 2 individuals
West Chester: 5 individuals
Total Individuals, 29

 

 

407 people were living in a public or private temporary shelter, including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels.

 

 

Sheltered Homelessness by Type and Household

 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 

* This is a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress.

** In 2021, Chester County did not conduct a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count due to COVID-19.

*** Veteran status of unsheltered individuals is unknown.

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Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition

The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Rental Homes

Each year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) measures the availability of rental housing affordable to extremely low-income households and other income groups. Based on the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample (ACS PUMS), The Gap presents data on the affordable housing supply and housing cost burdens at the national, state, and metropolitan levels. The report also examines the demographics, disability and work status, and other characteristics of extremely low-income households most impacted by the national shortage of affordable and available rental homes.

Each year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) measures the availability of rental housing affordable to extremely low-income households and other income groups. Based on the American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample (ACS PUMS), The Gap presents data on the affordable housing supply and housing cost burdens at the national, state, and metropolitan levels. The report also examines the demographics, disability and work status, and other characteristics of extremely low-income households most impacted by the national shortage of affordable and available rental homes.

Read the full report

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2023 Coordinated Entry System Efficacy

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.

What is Coordinated Entry?

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an effective coordinated entry system ensures that assistance is allocated as effectively as possible and is accessible no matter where or how people present.


How do we measure success?

To measure the efficacy of our system, the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness looks for:

  • an overall decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness, 

  • a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time, 

  • a decrease in the length of stay in emergency shelters and transitional housing (interim housing),

  • a decrease in the rate of returns to homelessness,

  • successful employment and income growth, and

  • successful placement into/retention of permanent housing.


What does the data tell us?

People Entering Shelters and First-Time Homelessness

Thanks to the work of our network of partners, there has been a steady decrease in the number of people entering participating emergency shelters in our community over the past five years, from 1,480 in 2018 to 992 in 2022 (a 33% decrease). 

People Experiencing Homelessness FY18-FY22

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 1.1 a., FY21-FY22

In addition, there has been a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time in the last year, from 1,141 in 2021 to 694 in 2022 (a 39% decrease).

The data shows how effective the coordinated entry system and Housing First, an approach that prioritizes permanent housing, can be in connecting people experiencing housing instability and homelessness to housing and long-term stability. The decrease in the overall number of people entering shelters and those experiencing homelessness for the first time can be attributed to increased prevention efforts implemented across the county.

Prevention provides housing relocation and stabilization services to prevent an individual or family from entering the emergency shelter system. Prevention efforts across the county include the Friends Association Eviction Prevention Case Resolution program, which provides free legal and social services support needed to prevent evictions and future housing instability, and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) grant funding through the Chester County Department of Community Development, which can be used to pay rent and utilities or rehousing costs.

 

People Experiencing First-Time Homelessness

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 5.2, FY21-FY22
 

Length of Stay in Emergency Shelters

The average length of stay in emergency shelters has increased by 61% from 64 days in 2021 to 103 days in 2022. 

This increase in the average length of stay could be attributed to inflation, a tightening of the housing market, high healthcare costs, reduced capacity and resources to support rapid resolution, the inability to rapid rehouse and provide supportive housing, as well as other demographic and health factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, mental health issues, or substance use disorder. 

Rapid resolution combines diversion and rapid exit strategies to help avoid literal homelessness or minimize the length of stay in emergency shelters. Diversion works to preserve current housing or assist individuals in finding temporary housing within their network of family, friends, or community, while rapid exit aims to ensure homelessness is as brief as possible, helping individuals return to housing on their own or with limited support and financial assistance. 

Rapid rehousing and supportive housing provide case management, support services, and financial assistance to place individuals in permanent housing and provide the support they need to retain housing long-term.

Average and Median Length of Stay in Days FY18-FY22

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 1.1 a., FY21-FY22

Housing Assistance and Stability Services

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. The Housing First approach supports stable housing and individual choice as a foundation for meeting basic needs, accessing support services, and achieving long-term goals. 

Data shows that the Housing First approach helps individuals and families remain in permanent housing. 85% of people who exited from interim or supportive housing to permanent housing remained housed two years later. 

Of those individuals who were enrolled in permanent housing programs, 96% remained in permanent supportive housing or exited to other permanent housing.

People Exiting Interim or Supportive Housing to Permanent Housing

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 2., FY21-FY22

85% Remained Housed

85% of people exiting from interim or supportive housing to permanent housing remained housed two years later

People Enrolled in or Exiting to Permanent Housing

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 7b.2., FY21-FY22

96% remained housed

96% of people enrolled in permanent supportive housing remained housed or exited to other permanent housing


Nearly half (45%) of individuals staying in CoC funded programs in 2022 increased their total income
thanks to case management support to find employment or job training opportunities as well as support enrolling in government assistance and benefits programs (e.g. SSI, SSDI, etc). 

Similarly, nearly half of individuals (44%) leaving CoC funded programs in 2022 also increased their total income setting them up for long-term stability and well-being.

People Staying in CoC Funded Programs, Increased Income

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 4.3, FY21-FY22

People Leaving CoC Funded Programs, Increased Income

Chester County PA-505 HUD System Performance Measure, Metric 4.6, FY21-FY22
 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 
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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County Affordable Housing Pipeline

It takes a wide range of people and organizations working together to create solutions. Making sure that communities have the resources they need is like solving a puzzle. That’s why community development organizations are so important. As puzzle-solvers for the community, these organizations help communities gather and put together the pieces to complete the picture, so the community has what it needs to be prosperous, including safe, decent, and affordable homes. Click on this post to find out more about how this works, recently completed homes, or homes in the pipeline.

It takes a wide range of people and organizations working together to create solutions. Making sure that communities have the resources they need is like solving a puzzle. That’s why community development organizations are so important. As puzzle-solvers for the community, these organizations help communities gather and put together the pieces to complete the picture, so the community has what it needs to be prosperous, including safe, decent, and affordable homes. Click on this post to find out more about how this works, recently completed homes, or homes in the pipeline.

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Chester County Department of Community Development Chester County Department of Community Development

Southeastern Pennsylvania Community Health Needs Assessment

A group of local hospitals and health systems collaborated on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Community Health Needs Assessment, with specific focus on Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties, to continue collaboration and provide opportunities to expand and improve upon the last assessment process. Participants recognize this assessment as an important part of how health systems, multi-sector partners, and communities work together to achieve meaningful and positive community change.

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2022 Coordinated Entry System Efficacy

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.

Coordinated entry supports fair, equitable, and rapid access to housing assistance and stability services. All services in the coordinated entry system are tracked through the Chester County Homeless Management Information System to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement. 

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an effective coordinated entry system ensures that assistance is allocated as effectively as possible and is accessible no matter where or how people present.


How do we measure success?

To measure the efficacy of our system, we look for:

  • an overall decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness, 

  • a decrease in the length of stay in emergency shelters and safe havens,

  • an increase in retention of permanent housing, and

  • a decrease in the rate of returns to homelessness


System Performance 2017-2021


 

Returns to Homelessness from Emergency Shelters

 


What does the data tell us about system performance?

Thanks to the work of our network of partners, we have seen a steady decrease in the number of people entering participating emergency shelters in our community over the past five years, from 1,707 in 2017 to 1,165 in 2021 (a 32% decrease). We know that more resources are needed to meet the need in our community, but we are hopeful for the future. 

The data shows us how effective the coordinated entry system and Housing First, an approach that prioritizes permanent housing, can be in connecting people experiencing housing instability and homelessness to housing and long-term stability. 


 
 

32% decrease ⬇

in the number of people entering participating emergency shelters over the past five years.

35% decrease ⬇

in average length of stay in emergency shelters from 2019 to 2021.

 
 

The average length of stay in emergency shelters has decreased by 35% from 99 days in 2019 to 64 days in 2021. This decrease in the average length of stay could be attributed to successful prevention efforts, such as the eviction moratorium, emergency rental assistance program, eviction prevention court, and a continued decrease in evictions, keeping people in housing and out of emergency shelters. It could also be a sign that people referred through the coordinated entry system are finding housing options faster, being successfully placed in permanent housing, and staying housed longer.


 
 

83% remained housed

people who exited an emergency shelter to permanent housing remained housed two years later

85% remained housed

people who exited transitional housing to permanent housing remained housed two years later

 
 

In fact, we have seen high rates of permanent housing retention for individuals exiting from emergency shelters and transitional housing. The Housing First approach supports stable housing and individual choice as a foundation for meeting basic needs, accessing support services, and achieving long-term goals, which has been attributed to greater rates of housing retention and overall improved quality of life. 

View the Chester County Coordinated Entry System performance measures data

 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 
Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Chester County 2022 Point-in-Time Count

On the evening of January 26 and early hours of January 27, 2022, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count. The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness.

Homelessness in Chester County at one point in time.

On the evening of January 26 and early hours of January 27, 2022, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count. This is a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress. The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ efforts to prevent and end homelessness. 


 

402 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on January 26, 2022

 

 

Homelessness Over the Last 5 Years**

**In 2021, Chester County did not conduct a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count due to COVID-19. 

 

 

Race

Ethnicity

 

35% (or 146) individuals identify as female

42% (or 168) individuals in families with children

25% (or 99) children under age 18


 

23 people were sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.

 

Map of Chester County showing unsheltered homeless county by location
 

Unsheltered Homelessness By Location

Coatesville: 3 individuals in 3 households
Downington/Thorndale: 9 individuals in 1 household
Kennett Square: 1 individual in 1 household
Malvern: 1 individual in 1 household
Oxford: 4 individuals in 3 households
Parkesburg: 2 individuals in 2 households
West Chester: 3 individuals in 3 households

Total Households, 14
Total Individuals, 23

 

 

379 people were living in a public or private temporary shelter, including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels.

 

 

Sheltered Homelessness by Type and Household

 

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

 
Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions

This report published in the National Library of Medicine addresses many of these issues in the context of public health and explore the public health implications and potential solutions to homelessness, focusing on contemporary and emerging research and innovative strategies, and highlighting best practices to address homelessness among key populations.

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Resources National Alliance to End Homelessness Resources National Alliance to End Homelessness

State of Homelessness: 2021 Edition

The current report draws from the nationwide Point-in-Time Count that occurred in January of 2020, just a few weeks before COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. Thus, the data does not reflect any of the changes brought about by the crisis. Instead, the current report reflects the State of Homelessness in America just before a once-in-a-lifetime event interrupted the status quo. In January 2020, there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in America. Most were individuals (70 percent), and the rest were people living in families with children. They lived in every state and territory, and they reflected the diversity of our country.

The current report draws from the nationwide Point-in-Time Count that occurred in January of 2020, just a few weeks before COVID-19 was declared a national emergency. Thus, the data does not reflect any of the changes brought about by the crisis. Instead, the current report reflects the State of Homelessness in America just before a once-in-a-lifetime event interrupted the status quo. In January 2020, there were 580,466 people experiencing homelessness in America. Most were individuals (70 percent), and the rest were people living in families with children. They lived in every state and territory, and they reflected the diversity of our country.

Read the full report

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Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition

Out of Reach 2021

Out of Reach documents the significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the United States. The report’s central statistic, the Housing Wage, is an estimate of the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a modest rental home at HUD’s fair market rent (FMR) without spending more than 30% of his or her income on housing costs, the accepted standard of affordability.

Out of Reach documents the significant gap between renters’ wages and the cost of rental housing across the United States. The report’s central statistic, the Housing Wage, is an estimate of the hourly wage a full-time worker must earn to afford a modest rental home at HUD’s fair market rent (FMR) without spending more than 30% of his or her income on housing costs, the accepted standard of affordability.

Read the full report

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Recursos en Español, Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition Recursos en Español, Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition

El Hueco: La Escasez de Viviendas Asequibles

Cada año, la Coalición Nacional de Vivienda de Bajos Ingresos (NLIHC) mide la disponibilidad de viviendas de alquiler asequibles para hogares de ingresos extremadamente bajos y otros grupos de ingresos. Basado en la Muestra de Microdatos de Uso Público de la Encuesta de la Comunidad Estadounidense (ACS PUMS), El Hueco presenta datos sobre la oferta de vivienda asequible y las cargas de los costos de vivienda a nivel nacional, estatal y metropolitano. El informe también examina la demografía, la discapacidad y el estado laboral, y otras características de los hogares de ingresos extremadamente bajos más afectados por la escasez nacional de viviendas de alquiler asequibles y disponibles.

Cada año, la Coalición Nacional de Vivienda de Bajos Ingresos (NLIHC) mide la disponibilidad de viviendas de alquiler asequibles para hogares de ingresos extremadamente bajos y otros grupos de ingresos. Basado en la Muestra de Microdatos de Uso Público de la Encuesta de la Comunidad Estadounidense (ACS PUMS), El Hueco presenta datos sobre la oferta de vivienda asequible y las cargas de los costos de vivienda a nivel nacional, estatal y metropolitano. El informe también examina la demografía, la discapacidad y el estado laboral, y otras características de los hogares de ingresos extremadamente bajos más afectados por la escasez nacional de viviendas de alquiler asequibles y disponibles.

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Resources U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Resources U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

2020 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a HUD report to the U.S. Congress that provides nationwide estimates of homelessness, including information about the demographic characteristics of homeless persons, service use patterns, and the capacity to house homeless persons. The report is based on Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data about persons who experience homelessness during a 12-month period, point-in-time counts of people experiencing homelessness on one day in January, and data about the inventory of shelter and housing available in a community.

The Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) is a HUD report to the U.S. Congress that provides nationwide estimates of homelessness, including information about the demographic characteristics of homeless persons, service use patterns, and the capacity to house homeless persons. The report is based on Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data about persons who experience homelessness during a 12-month period, point-in-time counts of people experiencing homelessness on one day in January, and data about the inventory of shelter and housing available in a community.

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Recursos en Español, Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition Recursos en Español, Resources National Low Income Housing Coalition

Fuera de Alcance 2021

Los documentos fuera de alcance son una brecha significativa entre los salarios de los inquilinos y el costo de vivienda de alquiler en los Estados Unidos. La estadística central del informe, el costo de vivienda es una estimación del salario por hora que debe ganar un trabajador a tiempo completo para pagar una vivienda de alquiler modesta con el alquiler de mercado justo (FMR) de HUD sin gastar más del 30% de sus ingresos en gastos de vivienda, el estándar aceptado de asequibilidad.

Los documentos fuera de alcance son una brecha significativa entre los salarios de los inquilinos y el costo de vivienda de alquiler en los Estados Unidos. La estadística central del informe, el costo de vivienda es una estimación del salario por hora que debe ganar un trabajador a tiempo completo para pagar una vivienda de alquiler modesta con el alquiler de mercado justo (FMR) de HUD sin gastar más del 30% de sus ingresos en gastos de vivienda, el estándar aceptado de asequibilidad.

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Housing and Health: A Roadmap for the Future

In this report, the American Hospital Association shares data on the connection between health and housing stability. To be physically and mentally healthy, individuals need a safe, stable place to sleep at night. Housing-insecure individuals have worse health status and outcomes than those in stable housing.

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Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Students Experiencing Homelessness in Pennsylvania: New Evidence of Under-Identification and Inequity

Pennsylvania schools have a history of under-identification. In this brief, Research for Action provides some evidence of improvement in identification of students experiencing homelessness in PA; however, rates vary by school community and Pennsylvania overall ranks only 36th out of 50 states in identification of students experiencing homelessness per school-aged children in poverty.

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