¡Lanzamiento de la campaña de concientización pública!
Decade to Doorways y el condado de Chester reconocieron los esfuerzos incansables y el progreso significativo de la asociación Decade to Doorways de agencias locales, empresas, comunidades religiosas y vecinos para poner fin a la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para 2022.
Decade to Doorways y el condado de Chester reconocieron los esfuerzos incansables y el progreso significativo de la asociación Decade to Doorways de agencias locales, empresas, comunidades religiosas y vecinos para poner fin a la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para 2022.
Decade to Doorways anunció la nueva campaña de concientización pública para mostrar la compasión activa detrás de escena y el apoyo inquebrantable que la asociación brinda a nuestra comunidad a diario.
A Place to Call Home: Housing Challenges Among Immigrant Families
Immigrant families face housing challenges including a lack of affordable housing, health hazards, and overcrowding. Family professionals can support housing by asking about immigrant client housing, connecting with resources, supporting culturally sensitive housing programs, and encouraging political engagement.
Decade to Doorways COVID-19 Response
The community has had to adapt and respond creatively to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in need during the current health crisis.
The community has had to adapt and respond creatively to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in need during the current health crisis.
DCD staff transitioned over 100 community members residing in emergency shelters and places not meant for human habitation into area hotels. “Using hotels was deemed the best means of ensuring the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members,” said Pat Bokovitz.
Since the start of the pandemic, in mid-March, over 50 households have taken part in a housing program that has resulted in being placed in permanent housing or who are currently looking for a permanent home.
Wings for Success Services for Women Ages 15+ During COVID-19
Need help? Wings for Success provides the following: Emergency clothing or clothing for work, updating resume/interview prep/career advice, and virtual workshops. Hablamos español.
Need help? Wings for Success provides the following: Emergency clothing or clothing for work, updating resume/interview prep/career advice, and virtual workshops. Hablamos español.
Justice at Work’s Guidance for the Safety of Essential Workers: Pennsylvania Department of Health Order of April 15, 2020
Are you still working because your workplace is an "essential" business? If so, you are entitled to health and safety protections at work. Employers must take certain actions to ensure the health and safety of its employees.
Are you still working because your workplace is an "essential" business? If so, you are entitled to health and safety protections at work. Employers must take certain actions to ensure the health and safety of its employees, including:
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, in accordance with CDC guidance.
If the business finds out it has been exposed to an individual with Covid-19, it must:
Close off the area where the sick employee has been working
Ventilate the area for 24 hours before beginning to clean it
Identify employees who were in close contact with the sick individual
Test employee’s temperatures when they begin their shift
Employees with symptoms should stay home from work
Employee work schedule changes
Stagger employees’ shift start and end times so that they are not in groups
Stagger employees’ break times so that they are not taking breaks in large groups
• Provide enough space for social distancing at work
Provide enough space for employees to have breaks and meals while remaining at least 6 feet apart from one another
Limit the number of employees in common areas
Conduct meetings virtually when possible
Do not require meetings of more than 10 people or within 6 feet of each other
Provide its employees with access to frequent hand washing with soap and water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and protective masks to be worn at all times
Businesses open to the public must also:
Limit the number of customers and employees in the building at one time
Install shields or barriers in check-out areas to separate cashiers from customers
Require all customers to wear a mask in the building (with limited exceptions)
If you have questions about this guidance or believe your employer is not following it, contact Justice at Work at 215-733-0878. All calls are confidential.
PECO COVID Resources
PECO understands that many customers are continuing to face financial hardships. To assist, PECO is offering expanded payment agreements and financial assistance programs to help customers pay down outstanding balances that may have increased during the pandemic.
PECO understands that many customers are continuing to face financial hardships. To assist, PECO is offering expanded payment agreements and financial assistance programs to help customers pay down outstanding balances that may have increased during the pandemic.
24/7 Behavioral and Mental Health Support & Referral Helpline
This statewide support line is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Call 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
This statewide support line is staffed by skilled and compassionate caseworkers who will be available to counsel Pennsylvanians struggling with anxiety and other challenging emotions due to the COVID-19 emergency and refer them to community-based resources that can further help to meet individual needs. Call 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600.
Chester County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program
The Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance program serves Chester County residents and can only be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for "Housing Crisis."
Funding will serve individuals and families that are obligated to pay rent and meet three criteria.
Read more about the Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program
How to File for Unemployment Compensation During Coronavirus
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
MCHC Family Benefits COVID-19
Maternal and Child Health Consortium assists with Health Insurance, SNAP Benefits enrollment and Cash assistance.
Maternal and Child Health Consortium assists with Health Insurance, SNAP Benefits enrollment and Cash assistance. Watch the MCHC video:
How to Access Benefits During Coronavirus: SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF & LIHEAP
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
Chester County Health Department COVID-19 Information
Be informed. Learn the facts, share the facts, stop the fear. Read the latest news for Chester and Delaware Counties. Questions? Call 610-344-6225 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Be informed. Learn the facts, share the facts, stop the fear. Read the latest news for Chester and Delaware Counties. Questions? Call 610-344-6225 Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
2020 Point-in-Time Count for Chester County
In the early morning hours of January 23, 2020, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count, a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support Decade to Doorways, our community’s plan to prevent and end homelessness. Data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress.
In the early morning hours of January 23, 2020, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count, a national effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of this initiative is to determine the number of people currently experiencing homelessness on a given night, to better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and to support Decade to Doorways, our community’s plan to prevent and end homelessness. Data from the count is included in the Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR), which is presented to Congress.
One of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania says it’s finally close to ending homelessness
Since 2011, Chester County has been pouring time and money into reaching a lofty goal: ending homelessness within 10 years. “I’ve never seen the momentum we have now,” one advocate said as the deadline looms.
After a relationship ended three years ago, Michael Thomas had to move out. He found himself homeless for the first time in his life.
By The Philadelphia Inquirer
Since 2011, Chester County has been pouring time and money into reaching a lofty goal: ending homelessness within 10 years. “I’ve never seen the momentum we have now,” one advocate said as the deadline looms.
After a relationship ended three years ago, Michael Thomas had to move out. He found himself homeless for the first time in his life.
Pregnant Persons and Households with Infants Experiencing Homelessness Policy
People that are currently experiencing literal homelessness (Category 1 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness – see HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria Sheet) that has been confirmed by the Street Outreach Team and report a documented pregnancy or households who have an infant or young child (24 months old or under) will automatically be given top priority on the Emergency Family Shelter List, regardless of their VI-SPDAT score.
People that are currently experiencing literal homelessness (Category 1 of HUD’s Definition of Homelessness – see HUD’s Homeless Definition Criteria Sheet) that has been confirmed by the Street Outreach Team and report a documented pregnancy or households who have an infant or young child (24 months old or under) will automatically be given top priority on the Emergency Family Shelter List, regardless of their VI-SPDAT score. The following is the process that should take place for this population:
Anyone needing to gain access to the Emergency Shelter system must contact 2-1-1 to be assessed and referred to the Street Outreach Team.
A person without children who reports being pregnant when calling 2-1-1 will be assessed, and referred to the Street Outreach Team to have their homeless status confirmed. If the person is sleeping outside or in a place not meant for human habitation, they will be placed on the Emergency Shelter List. Street Outreach staff will make a direct referral via telephone or e-mail to Safe Harbor of Chester County, Inc. if beds are available. Safe Harbor staff will prioritize this person for emergency shelter placement and offer them an available bed. If an emergency shelter bed is not available at Safe Harbor, Inc., Street Outreach staff has the discretion to administer a hotel/motel voucher, on a case by case basis in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the consumer.
Note: When emergency shelter becomes available, the individual must leave the hotel and accept the shelter referral. Failure to accept emergency shelter will lead to loss of the hotel voucher.
It is expected that Safe Harbor of Chester County, Inc. and the Emergency Family Shelter providers (Friends Association and the CYWA) will collaborate in order to ensure the transition of a person who is close to giving birth to a family shelter as soon as possible.
A person who is pregnant and has other children or a household with infant or young child (24 months old or under) will call 2-1-1 to be assessed and referred to the Street Outreach Team to have their homeless status confirmed. If the individual or household meets the literal homeless criteria listed above, the Street Outreach Team will make a direct referral via telephone or e-mail to one of the Emergency Family Shelters (Friends Association or the CYWA) if beds are available. If an Emergency Family Shelter unit is not available; Street Outreach staff has the discretion to administer a hotel/motel voucher, on a case by case basis in order to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the family.
Note: When emergency shelter becomes available, the family must leave the hotel and accept the shelter referral. Failure to accept emergency shelter will lead to loss of the hotel voucher.
If a pregnant person is placed in a hotel and gives birth prior to receiving placement into formal Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, or Permanent Housing; they will return to the hotel until such time as they can be placed into more stable housing. Any agency providing hotel vouchers to this population will make the necessary referrals to ensure the best care possible for the mother and child (Social Security, Medicaid, Maternal and Child Health Consortium, Chester County Health Department Home Visiting Program, etc.)
* Rapid Re-Housing, Continuum of Care funding, and Section 8 Vouchers, will play a vital role in assisting these people and households in getting into Permanent Housing. It is imperative that the Emergency Shelters and all agencies that provide hotel vouchers for this population complete a SDPAT as soon as possible.
Please contact the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6900 or by e-mail at ccdcd@chesco.org if you have any questions.
Coordinated Entry System Update
The Chester County Department of Community Development is pleased to announce an update to the county's Coordinated Entry System. Beginning on December 12, 2019, there will be separate Call Center and Street Outreach services available to residents experiencing homelessness.
The Chester County Department of Community Development is pleased to announce an update to the county's Coordinated Entry System. Beginning on December 12, 2019, there will be separate Call Center and Street Outreach services available to residents experiencing homelessness.
This change is an important enhancement to the success of the Decade to Doorways initiative to end homelessness in Chester County. Call Center services will be administered by Pennsylvania's 211 system via a contract with the United Way of Chester County. 211 services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Human Services Inc. will provide full-time Street Outreach specialists to engage and verify individuals and families that are street homeless, while assisting them with access to shelter.
List Apartments for Free
PAHousingsearch.com is a free resource for landlords to list available apartments at any time.
PAHousingsearch.com is a free resource for landlords to list available apartments at any time.
National Health Care for the Homeless Homelessness & Health: Whats the Connection?
People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.
People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.
Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program provides rental assistance to low-income families which they can use throughout the community.
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program provides rental assistance to low-income families which they can use throughout the community.
Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program Administered by Open Hearth
The Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides rental assistance and supportive services for people with a disabling condition experiencing homelessness. For more information, please contact Open Hearth Inc. at 610-792-9282.
The Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing Program provides rental assistance and supportive services for people with a disabling condition experiencing homelessness.
For more information, please contact Open Hearth Inc. at 610-792-9282.