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PECO COVID Resources

PECO understands that many customers are continuing to face financial hardships. To assist, PECO is offering expanded payment agreements and financial assistance programs to help customers pay down outstanding balances that may have increased during the pandemic.

PECO understands that many customers are continuing to face financial hardships. To assist, PECO is offering expanded payment agreements and financial assistance programs to help customers pay down outstanding balances that may have increased during the pandemic.

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24/7 Behavioral and Mental Health Support & Referral Helpline

This statewide support line is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Call 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.

This statewide support line is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Call 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.

Read the press release

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How to File for Unemployment Compensation During Coronavirus

If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.

If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.

View the flyer

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MCHC Family Benefits COVID-19

Maternal and Child Health Consortium assists with Health Insurance, SNAP Benefits enrollment and Cash assistance.

Maternal and Child Health Consortium assists with Health Insurance, SNAP Benefits enrollment and Cash assistance. Watch the MCHC video:

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How to Access Benefits During Coronavirus: SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF & LIHEAP

If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.

If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.

View the flyer

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Chester County Health Department COVID-19 Information

Be informed. Learn the facts, share the facts, stop the fear. Read the latest news for Chester and Delaware Counties. Questions? Call 610-344-6225 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Be informed. Learn the facts, share the facts, stop the fear. Read the latest news for Chester and Delaware Counties. Questions? Call 610-344-6225 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Learn more on the Chester County Health Department website

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

2020 Point-in-Time Count for Chester County

In the early morning hours of January 23, 2020, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count, a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 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 Decade to Doorways, our community’s plan to prevent and end homelessness. Data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress.

In the early morning hours of January 23, 2020, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count, a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 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 Decade to Doorways, our community’s plan to prevent and end homelessness. Data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress.

Read the full Point-in-Time report

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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.

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

Pregnant Persons and Households with Infants Experiencing Homelessness Policy

People that are currently experiencing literal homelessness (Category 1 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness – see HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria Sheet) that has been confirmed by the Street Outreach Team and report a documented pregnancy or households who have an infant or young child (24 months old or under) will automatically be given top priority on the Emergency Family Shelter List, regardless of their VI-SPDAT score.

People that are currently experiencing literal homelessness (Category 1 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness – see HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria Sheet) that has been confirmed by the Street Outreach Team and report a documented pregnancy or households who have an infant or young child (24 months old or under) will automatically be given top priority on the Emergency Family Shelter List, regardless of their VI-SPDAT score. The following is the process that should take place for this population:

  • Anyone needing to gain access to the Emergency Shelter system must contact 2-1-1 to be assessed and referred to the Street Outreach Team.

    •  A person without children who reports being pregnant when calling 2-1-1 will be assessed, and referred to the Street Outreach Team to have their homeless status confirmed. If the person is sleeping outside or in a place not meant for human habitation, they will be placed on the Emergency Shelter List. Street Outreach staff will make a direct referral via telephone or e-mail to Safe Harbor of Chester County, Inc. if beds are available. Safe Harbor staff will prioritize this person for emergency shelter placement and offer them an available bed. If an emergency shelter bed is not available at Safe Harbor, Inc., Street Outreach staff has the discretion to administer a hotel/motel voucher, on a case by case basis in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the consumer.

    • Note: When emergency shelter becomes available, the individual must leave the hotel and accept the shelter referral. Failure to accept emergency shelter will lead to loss of the hotel voucher.

      • It is expected that Safe Harbor of Chester County, Inc. and the Emergency Family Shelter providers (Friends Association and the CYWA) will collaborate in order to ensure the transition of a person who is close to giving birth to a family shelter as soon as possible.

    • A person who is pregnant and has other children or a household with infant or young child (24 months old or under) will call 2-1-1 to be assessed and referred to the Street Outreach Team to have their homeless status confirmed. If the individual or household meets the literal homeless criteria listed above, the Street Outreach Team will make a direct referral via telephone or e-mail to one of the Emergency Family Shelters (Friends Association or the CYWA) if beds are available. If an Emergency Family Shelter unit is not available; Street Outreach staff has the discretion to administer a hotel/motel voucher, on a case by case basis in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the family.

    • Note:  When emergency shelter becomes available, the family must leave the hotel and accept the shelter referral. Failure to accept emergency shelter will lead to loss of the hotel voucher.

  • If a pregnant person is placed in a hotel and gives birth prior to receiving placement into formal Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, or Permanent Housing; they will return to the hotel until such time as they can be placed into more stable housing. Any agency providing hotel vouchers to this population will make the necessary referrals to ensure the best care possible for the mother and child (Social Security, Medicaid, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, Chester County Health Department Home Visiting Program, etc.)   

 

* Rapid Re-Housing, Continuum of Care funding, and Section 8 Vouchers, will play a vital role in assisting these people and households in getting into Permanent Housing. It is imperative that the Emergency Shelters and all agencies that provide hotel vouchers for this population complete a SDPAT as soon as possible.  

  

Please contact the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6900 or by e-mail at ccdcd@chesco.org if you have any questions.

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Coordinated Entry System Update

The Chester County Department of Community Development is pleased to announce an update to the county's Coordinated Entry System. Beginning on December 12, 2019, there will be separate Call Center and Street Outreach services available to residents experiencing homelessness.

The Chester County Department of Community Development is pleased to announce an update to the county's Coordinated Entry System. Beginning on December 12, 2019, there will be separate Call Center and Street Outreach services available to residents experiencing homelessness.

This change is an important enhancement to the success of the Decade to Doorways initiative to end homelessness in Chester County. Call Center services will be administered by Pennsylvania's 211 system via a contract with the United Way of Chester County. 211 services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Human Services Inc. will provide full-time Street Outreach specialists to engage and verify individuals and families that are street homeless, while assisting them with access to shelter.

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National Health Care for the Homeless Homelessness & Health: Whats the Connection?

People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.

People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.

Read the fact sheet

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Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program Administered by Open Hearth

The Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides rental assistance and supportive services for people with a disabling condition experiencing homelessness. For more information, please contact Open Hearth Inc. at 610-792-9282.

The Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides rental assistance and supportive services for people with a disabling condition experiencing homelessness. 

For more information, please contact Open Hearth Inc. at 610-792-9282.

Visit www.openhearthinc.org

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The Project Based Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Project Based Housing Choice Voucher Program attaches rent assistance to housing units. Eligible tenants only receive housing assistance if they live in a unit that has a Project Based Voucher.

The Project Based Housing Choice Voucher Program attaches rent assistance to housing units. Eligible tenants only receive housing assistance if they live in a unit that has a Project Based Voucher. 

Learn more about Project Based Vouchers

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Resources, News Chester County Department of Community Development Resources, News Chester County Department of Community Development

Public Awareness Campaign Kick-off!

Decade to Doorways and Chester County recognized the tireless efforts and significant progress of the Decade to Doorways partnership of local agencies, businesses, faith communities, and neighbors in ending homelessness in Chester County by 2022.

Decade to Doorways and Chester County recognized the tireless efforts and significant progress of the Decade to Doorways partnership of local agencies, businesses, faith communities, and neighbors in ending homelessness in Chester County by 2022. 

Decade to Doorways announced the new public awareness campaign to showcase the behind the scenes active compassion and unwavering support that the partnership provides to our community on a daily basis.

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January 2019 Point in Time Count Report finds lower number of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County

A report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Decade to Doorways Partnership has found that 517 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Chester County in the early hours of January 24, 2019. This represents a decrease of 24 percent over four years in the number of people experiencing homelessness. A summary of the findings were reported by Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development at the Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting this week.

EDITORS: The following is for immediate release. For further information please contact Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6959. 

2019 official count reveals decrease of 24 percent in homeless numbers over past four years 

WEST CHESTER, PA. A report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Decade to Doorways Partnership has found that 517 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Chester County in the early hours of January 24, 2019. This represents a decrease of 24 percent over four years in the number of people experiencing homelessness. A summary of the findings were reported by Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development at the Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting this week. 

The Point in Time Count is a national effort mandated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals and families who are residing in emergency shelters and transitional living facilities, as well as unsheltered individuals on the street or in places not meant for sleeping. 

Within Chester County, the Point in Time Count is one component of understanding homelessness, and is part of Decade to Doorways: The Community’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Chester County. The County has participated in the Point-in-Time Count for more than ten years. 

Of the 517 individuals experiencing homelessness in the early hours of January 24, 2019, 497 men, women, and children were housed in emergency or transitional shelters. Of the 497 that were housed, 201 were veterans. The street count found 20 individuals who were unsheltered (sleeping in cars, tents or places not meant for human habitation). A majority of these individuals were found in Kennett Square. 

Chester County’s 2019 Point in Time Count shows a decrease in those experiencing homelessness for four consecutive years. In 2016, 682 individuals were counted; in 2017 the number was 570; and in 2018 the number dropped to 555. 

Pat Bokovitz, Director of Chester County’s Department of Community Development, said, “The downward trend that Chester County is seeing for those who are experiencing homelessness can be attributed to a combination of factors, all coming together because of the Decade to Doorways initiative. 

“We are bringing together the work of our coordinated homeless service providers, the increase in permanent supportive housing resources, and the targeting of resources to support the most vulnerable. These efforts are bringing us even closer to Chester County’s goal of ending homelessness.” 

In addition to the presentation of this year’s Point in Time Count Report findings, an April 2nd Decade to Doorways event will kick-off the program’s public awareness campaign. With the mission to end homelessness in Chester County by 2022, Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell will provide an inspiring update on Decade to Doorways’ collective accomplishments. The public is encouraged to attend the event at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High Street in West Chester. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. 

For additional information on Chester County’s 2019 Point in Time Count, the Decade to Doorways Partnership and homelessness in Chester County contact Gene Suski, Community Services Manager for the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6900 or go to the Decade to Doorways website at www.decadetodoorways.org.

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El informe de conteo de enero del 2019 encuentra un menor número de personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester

Un informe compilado por el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester (DCD) y la Asociación Decade to Doorways encontró que 517 personas fueron identificadas como personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester en las primeras horas del 24 del enero de 2019. Esto representa una disminución del 24 por ciento en cuatro años en el número de personas sin hogar. Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester, informó un resumen de los hallazgos en la Reunión Sunshine de los Comisionados del Condado de Chester esta semana.

EDITORES: Lo siguiente es para publicación inmediata. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester al 610-344-6959.

El informe de conteo de enero de 2019 encuentra un menor número de personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester

El recuento oficial del 2019 revela una disminución del 24 por ciento en el número de personas sin hogar en los últimos cuatro años

WEST CHESTER, PA. Un informe compilado por el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester (DCD) y la Asociación Decade to Doorways encontró que 517 personas fueron identificadas como personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester en las primeras horas del 24 del enero de 2019. Esto representa una disminución del 24 por ciento en cuatro años en el número de personas sin hogar. Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester, informó un resumen de los hallazgos en la Reunión Sunshine de los Comisionados del Condado de Chester esta semana.

El recuento temporal es un esfuerzo nacional ordenado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos para determinar el número de personas sin hogar. Esto incluye a personas y familias que residen en refugios de emergencia e instalaciones de vivienda de transición, así como a personas sin refugio en la calle o en lugares no destinados a dormir.

Dentro del condado de Chester, el recuento es un componente para comprender la falta de vivienda y es parte de Decade to Doorways: el plan de la comunidad para prevenir y acabar con la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester. El condado ha participado en el conteo en un momento determinado durante más de diez años.

De las 517 personas que se quedaron sin hogar en las primeras horas del 24 de enero del 2019, 497 hombres, mujeres y niños fueron alojados en refugios de emergencia o de transición. De los 497 que se alojaron, 201 eran veteranos. El recuento de calles encontró 20 personas que no estaban protegidas (durmiendo en automóviles, tiendas de campaña o lugares no destinados a la habitación humana). La mayoría de estas personas se encontraron en Kennett Square.

El recuento puntual del 2019 del condado de Chester muestra una disminución en las personas sin hogar durante cuatro años consecutivos. En el 2016, se contaron 682 personas; en el 2017 la cifra fue de 570; y en 2018 el número se redujo a 555.

Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester, dijo: “La tendencia a la baja que el Condado de Chester está viendo para aquellos que están experimentando la falta de vivienda puede atribuirse a una combinación de factores, todos juntos debido a la iniciativa Decade to Doorways.

“Estamos reuniendo el trabajo de nuestros proveedores de servicios coordinados para personas sin hogar, el aumento de los recursos de vivienda de apoyo permanente y la focalización de recursos para apoyar a los más vulnerables. Estos esfuerzos nos acercan aún más al objetivo del condado de Chester de acabar con la falta de vivienda ".

Además de la presentación de los hallazgos del Informe de recuento de este año, un evento del 2 de abril Decade to Doorways dará inicio a la campaña de concientización pública del programa. Con la misión de acabar con la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para el 2022, los comisionados Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone y Terence Farrell proporcionarán una actualización inspiradora sobre los logros colectivos de Decade to Doorways. ¡Se anima al público a asistir al evento en Uptown! Centro de artes escénicas Knauer, 226 N. High Street en West Chester. Las puertas se abren a las 4:30 p.m. y la presentación comienza a las 5:30 p.m.

Para obtener información adicional sobre el recuento del condado de Chester del 2019, la asociación Decade to Doorways y la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester, comuníquese con Gene Suski, gerente de servicios comunitarios del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del condado de Chester al 610-344-6900 o vaya al Decade to Doorways sitio web en www.decadetodoorways.com.

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HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness utilizes HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria for service prioritization within the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Coordinated Entry System.

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness utilizes HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria for service prioritization within the Chester Partnership to End Homelessness Coordinated Entry System.

Read HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria

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