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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2018 Year End Data Report
The number of unique persons entering Emergency Shelter (ES) or Transitional Housing (TH) decreased significantly, from 1,223 in 2017 to 1,054 in 2018.
The number of unique persons entering Emergency Shelter (ES) or Transitional Housing (TH) decreased significantly, from 1,223 in 2017 to 1,054 in 2018.
The majority of individuals access Coordinated Entry (CE) via telephone calls, email or text message. CE also provides on‐site outreach services to persons who may have difficulty utilizing other access points. All phone calls, emails, text messages, outreach services, and in‐person visits count as a “call.”
In 2018, 756 unique households were placed on the emergency shelter queues.
Once prioritization has been completed, persons who cannot be immediately referred to shelter due to capacity constraints are placed on the emergency shelter queues. The Decade to Doorways system maintains three separate emergency shelter queues.
Emergency shelter is a crucial component of Chester County’s homeless crisis response system. However, it is important that shelter not be seen as a destination, but rather a part of a larger process that rapidly exits persons experiencing homelessness to permanent housing destinations. D2D is committed to a Housing First approach to homeless crisis intervention as it reduces the length of time people remain homeless and creates a more effective and equitable system.*
*Data from:
Publica apartamentos gratis
PAHousingsearch.com es un recurso gratuito para que los propietarios enumeren los apartamentos disponibles en cualquier momento.
PAHousingsearch.com es un recurso gratuito para que los propietarios enumeren los apartamentos disponibles en cualquier momento.
Crisis Response System Residency Guidelines (Out of County Policy)
Communities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania are transforming their housing crisis response systems through single point of entry centralized intake and coordinated assessment services with the goal of helping families and individuals who are homeless or at-risk for homelessness to find shelter and achieve permanent housing stability more effectively given limited funding and other resources.
Context
All Counties throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania are required to have a housing crisis response system with a single point of entry to include centralized intake and coordinated assessment services. The goal of this Coordinated Entry System is to assist individuals and families who are HUD definition homeless and/or at-risk for homelessness find emergency shelter and achieve permanent housing stability more effectively given limited funding and available resources. In 2013, government, philanthropic and community leaders from Bucks, Chester and Montgomery Counties came together to establish and adopt in good faith a common standard for serving out of county residents. It is the expectation that other neighboring Counties will adopt these joint guidelines as a step towards streamlining services and support for residents experiencing a housing crisis. Chester County has remained a Housing First community and continues to remove barriers to effectively serve the most vulnerable residents of our County.
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Response System Residency Guidelines
People seeking homeless assistance typically have better and more viable support systems in their County of origin. Discerning residency in the homeless population can be a challenge. The following guidelines have been drafted to inform decision making when verifying residency in the homeless population.
To be considered for housing and/or homeless assistance services in Chester County (including Case Conferencing), the individual or families last permanent address must be in Chester County. The call to 2-1-1 must also be from within Chester County. If someone calls from outside of the County, they will be immediately referred to the coordinated assessment provider in that region.
Exceptions to this policy would include Chester County residents that are currently in a hospital or other treatment setting outside of Chester County.
If an individual or family calls 2-1-1 from Chester County but discloses during the intake process that their last permanent address was outside of Chester County, the 2-1-1 Call Specialist will directly refer them back to their home County’s Coordinated Entry System.
If the Chester County Street Outreach Team determines that an individual or household is not from Chester County diversion back to their home County will be conducted. This can include but is not limited to providing financial assistance transportation.
Individuals and families whose last residence was outside of Chester County will not be referred for Emergency Shelter or offered Case Conferencing except under the following circumstances:
The individual or family reports that they are fleeing domestic violence (Category 4 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness – see attached). These cases will be immediately referred to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) during the initial 2-1-1 call. If it is determined that the individual or family is fleeing domestic violence but there are no emergency shelter units available through DVCCC, they may be considered for emergency housing resources. The Chester County Street Outreach Team will require a signed DVCCC “Consent to Release Personal Information” to verify that the caller contacted DVCCC and that no other resources are available at that time.
The individual or family is literally street homeless and/or sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation (Category 1 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness) and it is determined by the Chester County Street Outreach Team that they are currently in Chester County through no fault of their own.
Examples of this scenario could be a veteran that was discharged from the VA Medical Center and cannot return home or an individual or family was that was discharged from an institutional setting in Chester County and cannot return to their home County. Note that this information must be confirmed by Chester County Street Outreach Team. Even in these cases, every effort will be made to assist the individual or family to return to their original place of origin through robust diversion efforts. If after all reasonable efforts to divert the individual or family have been made but they can still not return home, they may offer Emergency Shelter and/or Case Conferencing. These situations will be determined on case-by-case basis by the Chester County Street Outreach Team.
The individual or family comes to Chester County to take refuge from a natural disaster as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), cannot return to their place of origin due to safety issues and has no other available resources to assist them in securing temporary or permanent housing (or those resources have been exhausted). Note that documentation confirming the individual or family’s status must be provided to the Street Outreach Team in order to be considered under this exception.
The above-mentioned examples are the only exceptions to the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Response System Residency Guidelines. All other individuals or families that are not from Chester County will be referred to the Coordinated Entry program from their place of origin. A client simply getting Medicaid benefits in Chester County or the fact that they are working with an organization in Chester County will not supersede the policies above. Outlier or special circumstances not accounted for in the policy should be brought to the attention of the Chester County Department of Community Development.
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.
Integrate Health Care
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness outlines the importance of integrated health care for people experiencing homelessness, as well as strategies for integration and better access to care.
Notice Establishing Additional Requirements for a Continuum of Care Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Governance Board adopted CPD-17-01 Notice Establishing Additional Requirements for a Continuum of Care Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Governance Board adopted CPD-17-01 Notice Establishing Additional Requirements for a Continuum of Care Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
Prioritizing Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness and Other Vulnerable Homeless Persons in Permanent Supportive Housing
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Governance Board adopted CPD-16-11 Notice on Prioritizing Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness and Other Vulnerable Homeless Persons in Permanent Supportive Housing. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Governance Board adopted CPD-16-11 Notice on Prioritizing Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness and Other Vulnerable Homeless Persons in Permanent Supportive Housing. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
CPD-15-02 Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-Sex Emergency Shelters and Other Facilities
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Governance Board adopted CPD-15-02 Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-Sex Emergency Shelters and Other Facilities. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Governance Board adopted CPD-15-02 Appropriate Placement for Transgender Persons in Single-Sex Emergency Shelters and Other Facilities. It is effective as of July 26, 2018.
Chester County Homeless Youth Count
Decade to Doorways surveyed a total of 140 homeless or unstably housed youth throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania to identify their most urgent needs and determine where the county lacked resources in stabilizing their lives.
Decade to Doorways surveyed a total of 140 homeless or unstably housed youth throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania to identify their most urgent needs and determine where the county lacked resources in stabilizing their lives.
2018-2020 Operational Plan
Decade to Doorways (D2D) is Chester County’s Ten Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. It’s an umbrella over approximately 35 organizations diligently working every day to see our community healthy, housed, and stable. These organizations all share in the mission to prevent and end homelessness but they can be split up into four different categories: emergency or transitional shelter, supportive services, permanent housing, and prevention services. As a collective impact model, D2D brings efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation to the current system.
Decade to Doorways (D2D) is Chester County’s Ten Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. It’s an umbrella over approximately 35 organizations diligently working every day to see our community healthy, housed, and stable. These organizations all share in the mission to prevent and end homelessness but they can be split up into four different categories: emergency or transitional shelter, supportive services, permanent housing, and prevention services. As a collective impact model, D2D brings efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation to the current system.
Humanizing the Homeless of Chester County Raises Awareness of Important Issue
According to the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD), 570 people experience homelessness in Chester County on any given night.
With a goal of ensuring the development of safe, affordable, and permanent housing along with other social services for those without homes, the DCD developed the Decade to Doorways initiative in 2012.
By Vista.Today
According to the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD), 570 people experience homelessness in Chester County on any given night.
With a goal of ensuring the development of safe, affordable, and permanent housing along with other social services for those without homes, the DCD developed the Decade to Doorways initiative in 2012.
Initiative aims to raise awareness of homeless
Despite pervasive affluence, more than a thousand people in Chester County sought emergency shelter last year, and more than half of them, including families with children, had to be turned away.
Such somber statistics formed the basis for an activity that will mark the local observance of National Hunger and Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19. Decade to Doorways, the county’s 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness, is looking for volunteers to spread awareness of the problem on Thursday, Nov. 17.
By ChaddsFordLive
Despite pervasive affluence, more than a thousand people in Chester County sought emergency shelter last year, and more than half of them, including families with children, had to be turned away.
Such somber statistics formed the basis for an activity that will mark the local observance of National Hunger and Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19. Decade to Doorways, the county’s 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness, is looking for volunteers to spread awareness of the problem on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Chesco makes change to homeless program
In stark contrast to the affluent around them, more than 600 people, many of them children, experience homelessness on any given night, according to Chester County officials.
Even more troubling is the fact that during the past year, 51 percent of the people who called ConnectPoints, a county hotline designed to connect them to emergency shelter and other resources, had to be turned away because beds weren’t available.
By ChaddsFordLive
In stark contrast to the affluent around them, more than 600 people, many of them children, experience homelessness on any given night, according to Chester County officials.
Even more troubling is the fact that during the past year, 51 percent of the people who called ConnectPoints, a county hotline designed to connect them to emergency shelter and other resources, had to be turned away because beds weren’t available.
Chesco seeking public’s aid to find homeless
Days after this past January’s blizzard, teams of volunteers fulfilled a federal mandate by canvassing affluent Chester County in search of residents who typically operate below the radar: the homeless.
The initiative, called the Point in Time (PIT) Count, found that 682 people lacked permanent shelter on the evening of Jan. 27 into the early morning of Jan. 28, according to a report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development. The count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, helps to determine the extent of homelessness throughout the country.
By ChaddsFordLive
Days after this past January’s blizzard, teams of volunteers fulfilled a federal mandate by canvassing affluent Chester County in search of residents who typically operate below the radar: the homeless.
The initiative, called the Point in Time (PIT) Count, found that 682 people lacked permanent shelter on the evening of Jan. 27 into the early morning of Jan. 28, according to a report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development. The count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, helps to determine the extent of homelessness throughout the country.
Working to give the homeless shelter, faces
Days after the January blizzard, teams of volunteers spread out across affluent Chester County, searching for residents who often operate below the radar: the homeless.
The effort, part of a national initiative called the Point in Time Count, found that 682 people lacked permanent shelter on the evening of Jan. 27 into the early morning of Jan. 28, according to a report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development.
By ChaddsFordLive
Days after the January blizzard, teams of volunteers spread out across affluent Chester County, searching for residents who often operate below the radar: the homeless.
The effort, part of a national initiative called the Point in Time Count, found that 682 people lacked permanent shelter on the evening of Jan. 27 into the early morning of Jan. 28, according to a report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development.
Actor, county focus on plight of homeless
Chester County can add Hollywood actor Richard Gere to the growing list of people assisting with Decade to Doorways, its ambitious 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness in the county – even if Gere’s contribution was inadvertent.
A free screening of his provocative 2015 film, “Time Out of Mind,” at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on Wednesday, March 10, served as a springboard for calling attention to the problem of homelessness. It attracted an audience of several hundred.
By ChaddsFordLive
Chester County can add Hollywood actor Richard Gere to the growing list of people assisting with Decade to Doorways, its ambitious 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness in the county – even if Gere’s contribution was inadvertent.
A free screening of his provocative 2015 film, “Time Out of Mind,” at the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville on Wednesday, March 10, served as a springboard for calling attention to the problem of homelessness. It attracted an audience of several hundred.