Housing and Homes
People’s homes can have a major impact on their health and well-being. Healthy People 2030 focuses on reducing health and safety risks in homes.
The Relationship Between Poverty and Homelessness Among Older Adults
Poverty affects older adults differently than other groups because they are more vulnerable to economic instability when their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social networks decline. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how poverty and homelessness are connected for older adults.
Income and Housing Affordability
Low-income households are typically unemployed or underemployed due to a number of factors, such as a challenging labor market; limited education; a gap in work history; a criminal record; unreliable transportation or unstable housing; poor health or a disability. For those who are low-income but employed, wages have been stagnant and have not kept pace with expensive housing costs. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how income and housing affordability are connected.
Priced Out: The State of Housing in America
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute in Washington, D.C., presents the pressing housing affordability crisis affecting people with the lowest incomes and recommend policies to move toward the goal of ensuring everyone in this country is able to afford safe, stable housing.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness
The nation is currently facing one of the most severe affordable housing crises in history. Not surprisingly, those living in poverty are the most significantly affected. The National Alliance to End Homelessness provides an overview of why housing affordability and homelessness are interconnected.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
People Leaving CoC Funded Programs, Increased 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
Code Blue: Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter
A Code Blue Is declared when winter weather conditions pose a threat of severe harm or death to people without shelter. Chester County residents who need shelter from the cold should call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance. For more info, go to chesco.org/codeblue or you can view the Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy.
A Code Blue Is declared when winter weather conditions pose a threat of severe harm or death to people without shelter. Chester County residents who need shelter from the cold should call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance. For more info, go to chesco.org/codeblue or view the Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy.
TRADUCCIÓN - Código Azul: Refugio de emergencia para climas extremos
Un Código Azul se declara cuando las condiciones climáticas invernales representan una amenaza de daño severo o muerte a personas sin refugio. Los residentes del Condado de Chester que necesitan refugio contra el frío deben llamar al 2-1-1 para recibir asistencia inmediata. Para obtener más información, visite chesco.org/codeblue o consulte la Política de refugios de emergencia para climas extremos.
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.
Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy
The Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy is intended to provide a safe environment for Chester County residents experiencing homelessness during times of extreme weather events that are threat to human life or well-being. This policy is not intended to supersede any other county policy or department of emergency services policy.
The Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy is intended to provide a safe environment for Chester County residents experiencing homelessness during times of extreme weather events that are threat to human life or well-being. This policy is not intended to supersede any other county policy or department of emergency services policy.
Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy will be implemented in Chester County at any time the forecasted weather poses a threat to human life or well-being. This includes when temperatures are extremely low, high, any additional weather related event, or natural disaster that poses a threat to human life or well-being. Based on these factors, participating Emergency Shelters will check the weather forecast by 9:00 AM daily and determine if the Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter policy is to be implemented to provide warming centers and offer cold weather beds.
Emergency Shelters contracted with the Chester County Department of Community Development have agreed to institute the Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Policy guidelines when:
temperatures are forecast to be 35 degrees or below, including the wind chill factor
temperatures with a heat index of 90 degrees or above, including humidity
During extreme weather conditions, Emergency Shelters will make their extreme weather beds available, as applicable. Anyone on an Emergency Shelter List in CCCIMS who is identified as street homeless/living in a place not meant for human habitation will be prioritized for any available emergency shelter beds.
Extreme weather placements are for one night only. If the Emergency Shelter has an open standard bed available after an extreme weather placement, they can transition the individual or family to that bed. If it is determined that the extreme weather will persist, Emergency Shelters are to provide the current individual or family extreme weather placement until the extreme weather subsides.
Third party referrals (Hospitals, Mental Health Facilities, Drug & Alcohol Facilities, etc…) must still go through 2-1-1 in order to be seen by the Street Outreach Team. No third party extreme weather or standard Emergency Shelter referrals will be accepted unless they come from 2-1-1.
Note that an exception to this policy is if an individual or a family shows up at a shelter during extreme weather conditions as described in the first paragraph after standard 2-1-1 or Street Outreach business hours; they should be given an extreme weather bed/unit if one is available and directed to contact 2-1-1 the next business day to get on the Emergency Shelter List.
The Street Outreach Team has the discretion to administer hotel/motel vouchers to those that are sleeping on the street or in a place not meant for human habitation when Emergency Shelter space is unavailable, on a case by case basis. 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.
Voting Toolkit and Resources for Homeless Service Providers in Pennsylvania
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is supporting the Every One Votes initiative by sharing a compilation of tools and resources with our housing solution partners providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness so that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources they need to register to vote and show up to vote during elections.
Adapted from the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Every One Votes Toolkit
Every One Votes is an initiative of the National Alliance to End Homelessness to ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness are registered to vote and able to exercise their right to vote.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is supporting the Every One Votes initiative by sharing a compilation of tools and resources with our housing solution partners providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness so that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources they need to register to vote and show up to vote during elections.
Every One Votes Pennsylvania
We’ve used the Every One Votes Toolkit as a guide to compile the following information and resources and to answer the most frequently asked questions about voting in Pennsylvania without a home address.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
A United States citizen at least 30 days before the next election.
A resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the next election.
Those at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election.
Those who are registered to vote by the state’s registration deadline.
Even if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or are in pretrial detention you may be able to vote in Pennsylvania. Felons lose their voting rights only while incarcerated in Pennsylvania, and receive automatic restoration upon release. Learn more about felon voting rights.
ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS
All 50 states require a physical address and mailing address.
The purpose of providing a place of residence is to ensure the person is registering to vote in the proper district and to assign the voter a polling place.
A traditional dwelling or physical residence is not required, and one may list the place one considers their residence, or where they sleep at night, which can include a shelter, bench in the park, or even under a freeway.
Pennsylvania has a check box on the voter registration form for those who do not have a street address or permanent residence and allows voters to draw a map or diagram of where they live.
In most states, a mailing address is required in order for the jurisdiction to send voter ID and election-related materials. However, this address does not have to be the voter’s actual residence. For clients, this can include any location willing to accept the mail on the client’s behalf, including shelters, or a provider’s place of business.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania’s voter registration form asks for your Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID number for those under age 18, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The form also has a check box for those who do not have a PA driver's license, PennDOT ID card or a Social Security number.
Pennsylvania does not require voters to present an ID to vote, unless it’s the first time voting. When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification, either with photo or not. Learn more about the types of ID you can show.
If your client needs help to get identification, including obtaining underlying documents like birth certificates, and pro bono legal help go to VoteRiders.org
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & FORMS
Registration Deadlines and Election Dates in Pennsylvania
Last day to register to vote: October 24, 2022
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: November 1, 2022
General Election: November 8, 2022
Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Official Election Websites, Forms, and Contacts
More election information at: http://www.votesPA.com
Online voter registration available at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
Mail-in voter registration forms available at: https://www.votespa.com/Resources/Pages/Resource-Center.aspx
Find your local election office contact information at: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/eoddomestic.htm
HOW TO VOTE
In Person
Look up your voting site and hours at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx
Voting sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time then you have the right to vote.
By Mail/Absentee Ballot
In Pennsylvania, you have two options for mail ballots.
Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on election day, you can request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
Learn more about Pennsylvania mail-in and absentee ballots.
First-Time Voters
If you are voting in Pennsylvania for the first time or if you are voting at a new polling place, learn what you need to prepare in advance. Learn more about Pennsylvania voter ID requirements and rules.
Accessible Voting
Voters with a disability may get help voting. See more options for accessible voting or request an accessible remote ballot.
Completed ballots must be received by your county election office before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
MORE RESOURCES
Chester County Voters Services: https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
Voter Registration Script: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Script-Voter-Registration-2020-copy.pdf
Am I Registered to Vote Search Tool: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
Permissible Election Activities Checklist: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/resource/staying-nonpartisan-permissible-election-activities-checklist-2/
Voting Guide for College Students: https://www.campusvoteproject.org/stateguides/pennsylvania
Every One Votes Social Media Toolkit
Voter Registration
Get Out the Vote
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
Evictions Cause Increases in Residential Mobility, Homelessness, and Hospital Use and Decreases in Financial Health
The National Bureau of Economic Research released a new paper, “Eviction and Poverty in American Cities,” evaluating the consequences of evictions for tenants in two urban areas: Cook County, IL, and New York City, NY.
Case Conferencing Prioritization Policy
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Partnership has established the following standards to prioritize equitable access to limited housing resources for the most vulnerable members of our community.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Partnership is open to and inclusive of community-based, nonprofit, private, and public organizations, as well as people with the lived experience of homelessness and concerned citizens. An elected Continuum of Care (CoC) Governance Board ensures the Partnership is aligned with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s policy and funding requirements. The Partnership provides guidance, advocacy, and community resources to support Chester County’s homeless crisis response system, which is led by the Chester County Department of Community Development and powered by a network of nonprofit service providers that provide a continuum of care to help all families and individuals exit from homelessness to permanent housing with stability.
Chester County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES) ensures equitable access to housing and supportive services for people experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. The two core elements of CES include 1) a toll-free Call Center accessed by dialing 211 for information, screening, and referral to homeless prevention services and street outreach and 2) a mobile street outreach team responsible for engagement, homeless verification, intake, and connection to services like housing and shelter. Our goal is to make homelessness a rare, brief, and one-time only experience.
Housing Resources in Chester County
Coordinated Entry can connect residents to any combination of the following housing resources when needed and available:
Homeless Prevention services including rental assistance and supportive services like food, employment and job training, legal aid, public benefits access, and mediation services to help residents continue to stay with family or friends.
Temporary Housing services for people that are living on the street or other places not intended for human habitation. These services include emergency shelter and transitional/bridge housing.
Rehousing services to help people experiencing homelessness to find, move into, and maintain permanent housing with a lease in their name. These services include housing location, time-limited rent subsidies (6 - 12 months on average), and light case management support to help households achieve their goals for health and economic self-sufficiency.
Supportive Housing services that provide long-term rent subsidies and/or wraparound services (if appropriate and available) for people with disabilities and/or have significant barriers to permanent housing stability. These services include permanent supportive housing and housing choice vouchers.
Given the limited housing resources in our community, Coordinated Entry connects residents to the minimum level of services necessary to end or prevent their experience of homelessness. This approach, called progressive engagement, preserves more intensive and costly services for the people who need them most.
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.
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
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
Stop Keeping Tenants Out in the Cold Because of the Source of Their Income
Shriver Center on Poverty Law shares how source of income discrimination disproportionately affects people of color, women, and people with disabilities.
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Search our of glossary of terms and acronyms including coordinated entry system programs, local terminology, external agencies providing homeless services, and general acronyms and terms.
Coordinated Entry System Programs
Coordinated Entry System (CES)
The Coordinated Entry System is a systematic process developed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis. In addition, to ensure all people have fair and equal access and are quickly identified, assessed for, referred and connected to housing and assistance based on their needs.
Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program (CoC PSH)
HUD CoC Homeless Assistance Program that provides funding for rental assistance. The program serves homeless persons with disabilities and requires appropriate supportive services to be provided.
Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter (Code Blue and Code Red)
The Extreme Weather Emergency Shelter Program is a seasonal program that provides overnight shelter. The goal of the program is to provide shelter and basic services to homeless persons during the most inclement weather. Shelter is provided free of charge.
Permanent Housing (PH)
Permanent housing for persons with disabilities is long-term housing that is commonly community-based with supportive services designed to enable homeless persons with disabilities to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting. Permanent housing can be provided in one structure or several structures at one site or in multiple structures at scattered sites.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Permanent Supportive Housing programs provide permanent housing and supportive services for homeless persons with physical and/or mental health disabilities.
Rapid Re-Housing (RRH)
Rapid re-housing is an intervention designed to help individuals and families to quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. Rapid re-housing assistance is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the unique needs of the household. The core components of a rapid re-housing program are: housing identification; rent and move-in assistance (financial); and, case management and services.
Street Outreach Services (SO)
The goal of Street Outreach services is to assist clients to get off the streets or out of places not meant for human habitation and into any form of emergency or permanent housing. DCD acts as Chester County’s countywide Street Outreach program and gets most of their referrals from the 211 Call Center.
Transitional Housing (TH)
Transitional housing is housing that facilitates the movement of homeless individuals and families to permanent housing. It is housing is which homeless persons live up to 24 months and receive supportive services that enable them to live more independently. This temporary housing is combined with supportive services to enable homeless individuals and families to live as independently as possible. Transitional housing can be provided in one structure or several structures at one site or in multiple structures at scattered sites.
Local Terminology
Built for Zero (BFZ)
Built for Zero is a movement of more than 80 cities and counties using data to radically change how they work and the impact they can achieve — and proving that it is possible to make homelessness rare and brief. A growing number of communities across the country are proving this is an achievable reality by reaching a milestone known as functional zero.
In order to propel this movement to end homelessness up and over a tipping point, we are working with communities to solve the most persistent challenges that stand in the way. With rigor and data-driven solutions, we are working with communities to prevent inflow into homelessness from happening in the first place, build and sustain homeless response systems that can continuously end, rather than manage, homelessness for populations across a geography, and quickly deliver affordable housing that can close the housing gap.
Chester county is a participating community in the Built for Zero movement.
Brandywine Health Foundation (BHF)
The Brandywine Health Foundation’s mission is to initiate and support programs to improve and sustain the health and well-being of the community. The Brandywine Health Foundation pursues its mission through funding and running programs and services to improve the health and development of children, teens, and families in the Coatesville Area School District.
Consumer Advisory Board (CAB)
A group of individuals with lived experience of homelessness that create a board to provide feedback, advisement, and play a decision making role in Continuum of Care (CoC) governance, policy, and procedure development. Other roles that the CAB plays are recruitment of CAB members and raising public awareness.
Case Conferencing (CC)
Case conferencing is used to connect eligible participants to housing opportunities by conversation among various housing providers. Case conferencing is a more formal, planned, and structured event separate from regular one-on-one meetings between case managers/agencies on behalf of the client. The goal of case conferencing is to provide holistic, coordinated, integrated services across providers, and to reduce duplication of services.
Chester County Community Foundation (CCCF)
The Community Foundation brings together donors and beneficiaries of charitable funds to create a foundation that financially supports various community initiatives. Currently, CCCG manages over 400 different charitable funds in the form of family foundations, nonprofit endowments, field of interest funds, and scholarships. CCCF acts as the fiscal agent for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessess.
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPTEH, aka “The Partnership”)
Formerly known as Decade to Doorways (D2D), a community based collaborative that strives to end homelessness in Chester County by actively promoting access to safe housing without discriminatory prerequisites or conditions. The Partnership views housing as a foundation for progress and success.
Coordinated Entry System (CES)
The Coordinated Entry System is a systematic process developed to ensure that all people experiencing a housing crisis. In addition, to ensure all people have fair and equal access and are quickly identified, assessed for, referred and connected to housing and assistance based on their needs.
Capacity for Change, LLC (CFC)
Capacity for Change, LLC is a public interest consulting firm based in West Chester, PA, that works with public, philanthropic, and nonprofit organizations to create positive and lasting social impact through strategy, culture, and partnership design. Capacity for Change LLC is the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ contracted strategy and systems change consultant.
Drop in/Day Center
An agency program that provides a safe place for people experiencing homelessness to stay during the day. A drop-in/day center may provide a range of services that may include: free meals, food pantry, access to internet/technology, assistance with applying for social benefits, assistance with job searches, and other support services.
Governance Board (GB)
Elected members of the Partnership that provides the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) eir guidance and recommendations for the homeless crisis response system policies, procedures, funding, data, and equity. The GB manages volunteer, cross-sector and community Action Teams that focus on specific ongoing issues of concern.
Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC)
HACC is a State-chartered public agency that administers various housing subsidy programs and housing location services. HACC receives the majority of its funding through HUD. HACC also has partnerships with county agencies, nonprofit foundations, community-based organizations, as well as private developers.
Landlord (LL)
Property owners who lease their property to tenants.
National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
National Low Income Housing Coalition educates, organizes and advocates to ensure decent, affordable housing for everyone. Goals of NLIHC are to preserve existing federally assisted homes and housing resources, expand the supply of low income housing, and establish housing stability as the primary purpose of federal low income housing policy.
Open Hearth Inc (OH)
Open Hearth facilitates Case Conferencing in Chester county. Open Hearth was originally formed in 1989 as a local grassroots committee to assure equal housing opportunities for people who are traditionally isolated and systematically denied opportunities due to mental, emotional or physical disabilities. Open Hearth has grown and evolved to serve members of our community who are the most vulnerable, including single parents, displaced families, those dealing with drug and alcohol dependency, and all income eligible populations, who come from diverse racial, cultural and geographic backgrounds. Open Hearth provides prevention, emergency shelter, housing location, permanent housing, and housing stability services in Chester county.
Phoenixville Community Health Foundation (PCHF)
The Phoenixville Community Health Foundation works to improve the health and quality of life for people in the greater Phoenixville region by increasing access to quality healthcare services and promoting healthy communities through grantmaking and collaboration with health, civic, business and community partners.
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental apartment options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. PHFA also promotes economic development across the state through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, as well as funding provided for community development projects.
Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Grant (PHARE)
Pennsylvania state funding available through PHFA. PHARE was established by Act 105 of 2010 (the "PHARE Act") to provide the mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable housing throughout Pennsylvania. The PHARE Act did not allocate any funding but did outline specific requirements that include preferences, considerations, match funding options and obligations to utilize a percentage of the funds to assist households below 50% of the median area income. PHARE is Pennsylvania state housing trust funding available through PHFA.
Resources for Human Development (RHD)
Resources for Human Development is a national human services nonprofit with the broadest possible service mission, and specializes in creating innovative, quality services that support people of all abilities wherever the need exists. Founded in 1970, RHD supports more than 160 human service programs across the country, serving tens of thousands of people every year with caring and effective programs addressing intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health, homelessness, addiction recovery and more. In Chester county RHD is working to create a non-congregate housing program.
Pennsylvania Housing Alliance
The Housing Alliance is a statewide coalition working to provide leadership and a common voice for policies, practices, and resources to ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially those with low incomes, have access to safe, decent and affordable homes.
Safe Harbor of Chester County (SH)
Safe Harbor of Chester County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operates a 40 bed, emergency housing shelter in West Chester for single men and women.
Voice and Vision, Inc. (V+V)
A Southeastern Pennsylvania nonprofit that strives to inform the community about available services, connection to appropriate resources, and create opportunities for people to voice their experiences and provide recommendations to improve services. Voice and Vision, Inc. views speaking out as empowering and as a right. They help people speak out through participating in surveys, focus groups and interviews; sharing recovery and resiliency stories; disseminating reports developed from surveys/focus groups to providers, managed care agencies, counties and communities to promote change.
External Agencies that provide Homelessness Services
City Gate Shelter
A faith-based emergency shelter for single men located in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Orion Communities
A social service agency located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Their mission is to offer hope for individuals and families experiencing hardships due to poverty, disability or illness by building bridges that lead to self-reliance. Orion provides case management and other support services.
Oxford Neighborhood Services (ONS)
A social service agency located in Oxford, Pennsylvania. ONS provides food, information and referral, and basic needs assistance.
Southern Chester County Opportunity Network (SCCON)
Located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, SCCON is a collective impact initiative, made up of a growing group of people who want to see poverty addressed in comprehensive, collaborative ways in our community. SCCON’s work is based on the Bridges Out of Poverty framework, and involves bringing people together from every sector and socioeconomic class to solve problems together that none of us can take on alone.
SILO (Serving, Inspiring, Loving Others)
A social service agency located in Oxford, Pennsylvania. SILO provides meals and connection to community services, in addition to building a welcome community of support.
St. Agnes Day Room
A faith-based drop-in/day center located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Provide breakfast and lunch, clothing, non-perishable foods, basic nursing services, health & wellness support, education, referrals outreach, bilingual outreach, life skills for families, children’s programs, job search assistance, and holiday programs.
St Mary’s Shelter
A faith-based emergency shelter and case management for families located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
General Acronyms & Terms
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The ADA is federal legislation that was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA is a wide-ranging civil rights law that prohibits, under certain circumstances, discrimination based on disability.
Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR)
Yearly HUD report estimating the extent and nature of homelessness in the U.S. using Homeless Management Information System data.
Area Median Income (AMI)
HUD calculations of the median income in an area that are presented by household size and adjusted each year. Many housing programs use percentages of AMI as the guidelines for income eligibility.
Annual Performance Report (APR)
HUD required annual progress report for all homeless projects.
County Assistance Office (CAO)
Local office that provides assistance and application processing for public benefit programs offered by the state of Pennsylvania. Benefit programs include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cas Assistance, Medicaid, Medicare, Home Heating Assistance (LIHEAP), Family Planning Services, Child Care Assistance, School Meals, & Long-term Living Services.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The CDBG is a HUD program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.
Chronically Homeless (CH)
A chronically homeless person is defined by HUD as an homeless individual or household with a disabling condition who has either been continually homeless for a year or more or has had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years totalling 12 or more months of homelessness.
Continuum of Care (CoC)
The Continuum of Care refers to a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency. It includes action steps to end homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness. It also refers to the system of services that help people move from homelessness to housing.
Department of Children, Youth, & Families (CYF)
CYF views the care of dependent and/or neglected children as a shared responsibility. The family is seen as the primary source for the care and nurturing of children by providing for the physical, emotional, and economic support needed. This agency intervenes to provide those services which cannot be provided by families, neighbors, friends, and the community.
Drug & Alcohol (D&A)
Programs that are tailored for individuals with substance abuse issues are programs that serve individuals who have acknowledged addiction problems related to alcohol and drug use and who seek services or housing to support their sobriety.
Department of Community Development (DCD)
Also referenced as Chester County Department of Community Development (CCDCD). The mission of the Department of Community Development for Chester County is to provide housing, neighborhood improvement, workforce development, and social services to citizens so that they can have the opportunity to live and work in a safe, stable, and diverse community.
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Provides oversight and coordination of the county departments of Aging, Children Youth & Families, Drug & Alcohol, Managed Behavioral Healthcare, Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Veterans Affairs, and the Youth Center.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The mission of the U.S. Department of Transportation is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests, and enhances the quality of life of the American people.
Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence (DV/IPV)
Domestic violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Partners may be married or not married; heterosexual, gay, or lesbian; living together, separated or dating.
Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)
Emergency Solutions Grants provide funding for programs that focus on addressing the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional housing to assist people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.
Fair Market Rent (FMR)
Under HUD, FMRs are primarily used to determine payment standard amounts for the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Rental subsidy program (also known as Section 8).
Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH)
A federal act which amended and reauthorized the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The legislation increased priority on homeless families with children, significantly increased resources to prevent homelessness, continued to provide incentives for developing permanent supportive housing, and granted rural communities greater flexibility.
Housing First (HF)
Housing First is an approach to ending homelessness that centers on the concept that a homeless individual or household's first and primary need is to obtain stable housing, and that other issues that may affect the household can and should be addressed once housing is obtained.
Housing Inventory Chart (HIC)
Document submitted to HUD that lists all of the housing available in the CoC dedicated for homeless persons and families.
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
HMIS is a computerized data collection system designed to capture client information over time on the characteristics, service needs and accomplishments of homeless persons. HUD requires all CoC applicants to demonstrate progress in implementing HMIS.
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)
The HOPWA Program was established by HUD to address the specific needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. HOPWA makes grants to local communities, states, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP)
HUD program created in 2009 under the Recovery Act that ended in August 2011. It focused on preventing homelessness and rapidly re-housing persons who were living on the streets or in emergency shelter.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is a federal department created in 1965 to increase homeownership, support community development and housing free from discrimination. Since 1987, HUD has been responsible for funding homeless programs, which today comprise the CoC.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
A part of the IRS code which grants tax credits to equity investors in low-income housing projects. Helps create affordable housing.
Mental Health (MH)
Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health. How people think, feel, and behave. Often used as reference to someone who has mental health challenges or formal diagnosis.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
An MOU is a document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of two or more organizations that are collaborating on a project. It is generally broader than a contract and often meant to retain its status over multiple contracts.
National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH)
A nationally-recognized leader on the issues of homelessness. NAEH studies and tracks public policies, data, and research, and best practices in the field of homelessness. www.endhomelessness.org
Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY)
The term “NIMBY” describes the opposition of residents to the nearby location of something they consider undesirable.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
A NOFA is issued by a governmental body, foundation, etc. which is looking for organizations or individuals to submit proposals in response to a funding opportunity, generally a grant.
Point-In-Time Count (PIT)
A HUD-mandated biennial count of persons experiencing homelessness on a specified day of the year intended to provide a snapshot report on the extent of homelessness.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
DCD program funding is distributed through a competitive bid process. In response to RFPs, released by DCD, agencies may submit an application for funding to operate the specified program(s). Awards are made based upon the review and scoring criteria stated in the RFP.
Release of Information (ROI)
Consumer/patient consent to release private or protected information.
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The mission of the agency is to be responsible for improving the accountability, capacity, and effectiveness of the Nation’s substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system.
Senate Bill (SB)
SB is a reference to bills originating from the Senate.
Section 8 (Informal name of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program)
Under Section 8, a tenant pays 30-40% of their monthly income for rent and the government pays the remainder, up to a set maximum Fair Market Rent. Section 8 subsidies can be tenant-based (awarded to a tenant household that can take them to any private landlord) or site-based/project-based (awarded to an owner who uses it on the same unit over time). Section 8 vouchers in Chester County are administered by the Housing Authority of Chester County
SSI/SSDI Outreach, Advocacy, and Recovery (SOAR)
A technical assistance initiative that assists people who are homeless to successfully apply for Social Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Incomes (SSDI). The purpose of the initiative is to help people who are eligible for such benefits to receive them sooner, thereby more quickly facilitating that person’s ability to move into housing.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
SROs are private rooms that contain either food preparation or sanitary facilities, or both, that are designed for occupancy by a single individual.
Shelter Plus Care (SPC/S+C)
A HUD homeless program that was once a program under the McKinney-Vento Act. SPC provided rent subsidies to households that are homeless and in which at least one adult has a disability that prevents the person/household from being able to live independently. SPC projects are now part of the CoC program.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is an insurance program for disabled people who have paid FICA taxes for a certain number of calendar quarters. SSDI pays a variable monthly benefit amount, which depends on your work history. Payments begin after a 5-month waiting period from the time of disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers SSDI.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues and not Social Security taxes. SSI is designed to help aged and disabled people who have little or no income and provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Supportive Services Only (SSO)
HUD Homeless Assistance Program term for projects which provide support services only (no housing provided).
Technical Assistance (TA)
Refers to the provision of support training to organizations that is intended to help the organization strengthen its ability to perform key tasks in the future.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
The major welfare program that provides income support to poor families.
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)
The mission of the USICH is to coordinate the federal response to homelessness and to constellate a national partnership at every level of government and every element of the private sector to reduce and end homelessness in the nation. www.usich.gov
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The mission of the VA is to provide excellence in patient care, veterans’ benefits and customer satisfaction.
Workforce Development Board (WDB)
Pennsylvania's local workforce development boards are part of our public workforce system – a network of state and local providers and programs that support local and regional economic development, and the education and training of Pennsylvania's workforce. Pennsylvania's LWDBs connect the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, or L&I, with PA Careerlink services for job seekers, workers, training providers and employers. LWDBs develop strategic plans for their region and set funding priorities for their areas.
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
WIC is a federal grant program for which Congress authorizes a specific amount of funds each year for low-income, nutritionally at risk pregnant women (through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth or after pregnancy ends), breastfeeding women (up to infant’s 1st birthday), non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends), infants (up to 1st birthday), and children up to their 5th birthday.
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.
Anti-Discrimination, Equal Access, and Fair Housing Policies
The Chester County Partnership To End Homelessness (PA-505 CoC) is committed to fair, equal, and equitable access to housing and services for all residents experiencing homelessness in Chester County, Pennsylvania. All Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness member organizations are expected to comply with the following Governance Board-approved anti-discrimination, equal access, and fair housing policies.
The Chester County Partnership To End Homelessness (PA-505 CoC) is committed to fair, equal, and equitable access to housing and services for all residents experiencing homelessness in Chester County, Pennsylvania. All Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness member organizations are expected to comply with the following Governance Board-approved anti-discrimination, equal access, and fair housing policies.
In addition, all U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Continuum of Care (CoC) Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funded service providers are required to comply with all federal and state laws, statutes, and regulations related to anti-discrimination, equal access, and fair housing, including but not limited to the following laws and regulatory citations:
The Americans With Disabilities Act.
The Civil Rights Act.
The Fair Housing Act.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
24 CFR 5.105 (a) - Nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.
24 CFR 5.105 (b) - Equal access to HUD-assisted or -insured housing.
24 CFR 5.106 - Equal access in accordance with the individual's gender identity in community planning and development programs.
24 CFR 100.202 – Prohibitions against discrimination because of handicap.
24 CFR 100.203 – Reasonable modifications of existing premises.
24 CFR 576.407(b) - Affirmative outreach.
24 576.500 (S) (1) - Records demonstrating compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements under 576.407(a) and the affirmative outreach requirements in 576.407(b).
24 CFR 578.93 - CoC Program Interim Rule - Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.
24 CFR 578.103 (a) (15) - Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.
Executive Order 13166, "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency.”
Notice CPD-17-01: Notice Establishing Additional Requirements for a Continuum of Care Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System.
Read the Anti-Discrimination, Equal Access and Fair Housing Policy