Weathering Homelessness: How the Environment Impacts Housing Instability
As spring unfolds in Chester County, the warmer season and longer days bring with them hope for a better future where no one in Chester County experiences cold, dark nights without a home. This April, as we observe National Fair Housing Month, we are spotlighting the environmental determinants that contribute to homelessness. Our unhoused neighbors are often hidden victims, vulnerable to both discrimination in housing and the consequences of our changing environment.
Chester County’s Flooding Crises
Numerous flooding disasters in recent years highlight the need for more equitable housing support systems in Chester County.
In July 2023, powerful storms led to significant flooding, damaging infrastructure, prompting at least 16 water rescues and leading to many road closures.
In September 2021, Hurricane Ida brought catastrophic flooding and tornados to the county, causing widespread damage, power outages, boat rescues, and a necessity for community-wide recovery efforts. More than 100 families were immediately displaced and sought emergency shelter. In the weeks following the hurricane, state emergency officials assessed the damage, and determined that more than 1,700 homes or buildings were damaged and nearly 70 homes or buildings were destroyed.
In June 2021, 50% of Coatesville went underwater, with up to six feet of water covering some lower areas and seven inches of rain falling in just one hour. A mudslide halted all traffic on Route 82. Coatesville identified ten houses as permanently unsafe and issued a state of emergency due to the extreme conditions.
Coatesville officials have pursued proactive measures against flooding, including applications for grants to improve stormwater infrastructure. However, these infrastructure improvements are costly and may take years – years that we don’t have while our neighbors remain unhoused.
Navigating Extreme Weather Shifts
Code Blue is activated in Chester County for severe winter weather, offering emergency shelters to those at risk, while Code Red responds to excessive heat, providing cooling stations and resources to prevent heat-related illnesses. Increased lengths of Code Blue and Code Red periods in recent years have stretched the resources of our shelters and support services, putting a strain on our community's ability to provide consistent, reliable support to those most vulnerable to extreme weather.
Fire Emergencies and Their AftermatH
In September 2023, Oxford faced a devastating fire displacing 90 people and 25 families. An apartment fire in 2021 destroyed 45 homes and displaced 50 families. These fire emergencies demonstrate the urgent need for efficient systems to prevent homelessness following such catastrophes. These fires not only cause immediate harm and impact mental health and well-being but also potentially long-term displacement – especially when you consider housing discrimination and unfair housing policies that may impact our neighbors’ ability to find new housing after the fire.
Agriculture and Food Inaccessibility
Changing weather patterns have significant effects on agriculture and food supply, leading to soil degradation, water scarcity and nutrient depletion. As our agricultural systems become less productive, these conditions contribute to higher food prices and food accessibility issues. According to surveys by Action Against Hunger, 78% of Americans say groceries are becoming harder to afford, and 72% believe that our changing weather patterns are contributing to rising food prices. Our most marginalized community members, including those at risk of homelessness, are more vulnerable to the risk of food insecurity.
How You Can Help
Extreme weather, fires, and food inaccessibility not only exacerbate homelessness but also intensify housing discrimination, as those already marginalized face greater risks and fewer recovery resources. This April, in honor of National Fair Housing Month, we encourage our community members to support initiatives aimed at making housing discrimination unlawful while also advocating for comprehensive planning to address weather impacts, infrastructure resilience, and investment in emergency shelters and community recovery efforts in the face of extreme weather.
We all play a role in supporting our neighbors, building a stronger community, and joining together to support housing equity. Learn more about how you can contribute to our efforts by visiting our Partner With Us page. Together, we can create a future where everyone in Chester County has a safe place to call home.