DelVal Counties Offer Programs To Help Homeless People
Dolores Colligan, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, and Rob Henry, administrator for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, spoke with DVJournal. The county will spend about $3.5 million on the homeless problem this year. Last year, there were 436 homeless people in Chester County “on any given night,” said Henry. That includes 29 living outside. And 1,000 to 1,200 become “unhoused” over a year. Chester County also performs a one-night homeless count.
Homeless Persons' Memorial Day 2023
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day occurs each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. Join Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness on Thursday, Dec. 21, as we commemorate National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day through a powerful art installation.
Homeless Person’s Memorial Day
Thursday, Dec. 21
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day occurs each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. Join Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness on Thursday, Dec. 21, as we commemorate National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day through a powerful art installation.
Art Installation
Historic Chester County Court House
Thursday, December 21, 2023
4:00 PM 4:30 PM
Tori Fisher – a Lived Experience Advisory Board Member – and a team of volunteers from community organizations, local non-profits, and County government have created 436 origami cranes to display at the Historic Chester County Courthouse, to honor each of the 436 individuals that were identified in our point-in-time count at the beginning of this year.
The installation also has interactive boards displayed where attendees can view the list of individuals who we’ve lost this year due to homelessness, who are represented by 10 black paper cranes in the installation.
436 CRANES
“My name is Tori Fisher. I am a participant of the Lived Experience Advisory Board of the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness. I am also a member of Stages Arts Initiative of Chester County.
Each year the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness has a “point in time count”. The “point in time count” hopes to accurately record the number of people who are experiencing homelessness in Chester County on any given night. That number is 436.
The 436 white paper cranes symbolize the number of people who are experiencing homelessness on any given night in Chester County. There are black paper cranes scattered throughout the art piece. The black cranes memorialize the individuals who have died while they were experiencing homelessness in Chester County during this past year.
The presentation of this art project coincides with a national event organized by the National Coalition for the Homeless. The event is formally called the Homeless Persons Memorial.
My vision for this art piece is to dramatically display the number of people who are homeless in our county and to bring attention to the severity of the situation by creating a memorial for those who have died this year while experiencing homelessness.
My hope is to impact the community with this piece. The piece itself is a group project. It is a community project. Several people in our community have joined together to build this piece and to have conversations about the situation of homelessness. We have sipped on coffee together. We have cried together. We have folded paper together. And we have allowed compassion to guide our responses to this issue. I hope the fragility of this piece stuns you. I hope seeing the numbers displayed in the form of a crane compels you to action or to volunteerism. And I also hope that if you are one of the people whom the crane represents that you know you are part of our community. You are not a display piece. You are not defined by your circumstance. Please press forward. Do not allow rain or snow or wind to crush you. Reach out to someone you trust. Be well. Be safe. We are in this together.”
Individuals of Honor
This year, we honor the 10 individuals in Chester County who we’ve lost to homelessness in 2023.
Richard M.
V. S.
Michael S.
Sharon M.
Heather S.
G. A.
Arnold M.
S. T.
Jennifer W.
Timothy A.
Thank You to Our Community Contributors
How You Can Help
Since 1990, this day has served as a poignant reminder of the individuals we have lost while experiencing homelessness. This year, we unite to make an impactful statement: we cannot let this be the start of another year of growing homelessness in Chester County. We know there are many causes of homelessness. You can help support people with safe, affordable housing.
Learn more about how you can volunteer or donate to the cause of ending homelessness in our community.
NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: National Trends
It’s evident that the road to housing equity is filled with challenges. Low-income renters are facing soaring rents and mounting housing instability, especially as the supports from pandemic-era benefit programs dwindle away. For too many, safe, stable, and affordable housing still remains frustratingly out of reach.
It’s evident that the road to housing equity is filled with challenges. Low-income renters are facing soaring rents and mounting housing instability, especially as the supports from pandemic-era benefit programs dwindle away. For too many, safe, stable, and affordable housing still remains frustratingly out of reach.
But here's the important part: we can change this narrative. NLIHC and our dedicated partners nationwide are joining forces to call on Congress for real action. We believe it's time to tackle the deep-seated issues of housing affordability head-on.
Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach:
Investing in New Affordable Housing: We need to build more affordable housing to meet the demand.
Preserving Existing Affordable Homes: Let's ensure that the affordable rental homes we already have stay that way.
Universal Rental Assistance: Bridging the income-rent gap with universal rental assistance can make housing affordable for everyone.
Emergency Assistance: When financial crises strike, emergency assistance can stabilize renters.
Strong Renter Protections: Establishing robust renter protection safeguards against unfair practices.
Together, we can pave the way for housing equity, where every individual and family can find and maintain decent, accessible, and affordable housing. A member of our lived experience advisory board said it best: “We are breaking the stigma.”
Let's stand together and make it happen. To learn more about what you can do, please visit our affordable housing advocacy webpage.
PHFA 2023 ChesCo Profile - Racial Demographics & Disparities
There's a crucial aspect we cannot ignore: our county's diversity. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) make up about a quarter of our community. Yet, we also recognize that housing affordability is not experienced equally by all our residents. Inequitable housing policies, discriminatory practices, and systemic barriers contribute to housing affordability challenges faced by marginalized communities.
There's a crucial aspect we cannot ignore: our county's diversity. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) make up about a quarter of our community.
Yet, we also recognize that housing affordability is not experienced equally by all our residents. Inequitable housing policies, discriminatory practices, and systemic barriers contribute to housing affordability challenges faced by marginalized communities. Limited affordable housing options, rising costs, and income disparities create significant hurdles for individuals and families, particularly those from historically disadvantaged racial backgrounds.
These disparities remind us that, despite our progress, there's more work to be done to ensure equity in housing for everyone in Chester County. We must work together to create a more inclusive and equitable housing landscape. Chester County thrives when all its residents can find safe, affordable, and stable homes.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the issue of racial disparities and homelessness, we invite you to explore this resource by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
ALICE Household Survival Budget in Chester County
Traditional economic measures don't fully account for essential expenses. United For ALICE offers county-specific budgets for different household types in Pennsylvania to more accurately assess living costs. These budgets establish the minimum expenses required to sustain a household in today's economy and determine if households are above or below the ALICE Threshold for each county.
Traditional economic measures don't fully account for essential expenses. United For ALICE offers county-specific budgets for different household types in Pennsylvania to more accurately assess living costs. These budgets establish the minimum expenses required to sustain a household in today's economy and determine if households are above or below the ALICE Threshold for each county.
According to 2021 data provided by United for ALICE, housing alone (rent and utilities) in Chester County:
Makes up approximately 38% of a $2,969 monthly survival budget for a single adult household.
Makes up approximately 25% monthly of a $6,559 survival budget for a household with two adults and two children.
Makes up approximately 27% of a $4,977 monthly survival budget for a household with two seniors.
By recognizing the true cost of living and supporting initiatives that provide affordable housing and financial stability, we can work towards the goal of ending homelessness in Chester County.
Supporting our organization allows us to provide resources and opportunities to people in our community, such as the people on our Lived Experience Advisory Board. One board member shared, “It really boosts our self-confidence.”
Let's work together to ensure that every individual and family has a safe and stable place to call home. Learn more about how to volunteer or give to one of our partner organizations so you can make a difference.
NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: National Trends - Housing and Wage Inequalities
On a national level, the 2023 Out of Reach Report shows that the gap between how much people earn and how much they have to pay for housing is biggest for people of color, especially women of color. Why is that? Well, it's because of a history of unfair housing policies that have made it harder for people of color to find decent and affordable homes.
On a national level, the 2023 Out of Reach Report shows that the gap between how much people earn and how much they have to pay for housing is biggest for people of color, especially women of color. Why is that? Well, it's because of a history of unfair housing policies that have made it harder for people of color to find decent and affordable homes.
Let's break it down with some numbers: Black, Latino, and Native American workers are often stuck in jobs that don't pay as much as jobs held by White workers. Even when they have the same jobs, People of Color still get paid less than their White peers. For instance: nationally, the median wage of a full-time White worker is about $2.23 per hour higher than what's needed for a one-bedroom apartment. But for a full-time Black worker, they make 73 cents/hour less than what would be needed for that one-bedroom apartment. And for a Latino worker in the same role, they make about $1.84 less. The disparities grow more pronounced for women of color: Black and Latina female workers earn median wages that are $3.96 and $5.47 less, respectively, than what would be needed to afford one-bedroom housing.
The impact of these disparities is huge. People of Color are more likely to be renters, and when housing costs go up, they feel the pinch the most. For example, extremely low-income renters make up about 19% of Black households, 17% of American Indian or Alaska Native households, and 14% of Latino households, while only 6% of White households are in the same boat.
During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, it's clear we need to step up to create a more equal and fair society, where everyone, regardless of their background or skin color, can find a safe and affordable place to call home. One of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members shared, “I have something meaningful to offer.” Make a donation today to help us advance racial and economic equity in our community.
NLIHC Out Of Reach Report: Minimum Wage to Afford a Two Bedroom Home in Chester Country
Let's reflect on the findings of the Out of Reach 2023 report, published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). The report unveils a concerning reality: the significant disparity between people's wages and the cost of modest rental housing across the United States. This comprehensive report dissects the affordability crisis, examining the affordability gap in every state, county, metropolitan area and combined non-metropolitan area.
Let's reflect on the findings of the Out of Reach 2023 report, published by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). The report unveils a concerning reality: the significant disparity between people's wages and the cost of modest rental housing across the United States. This comprehensive report dissects the affordability crisis, examining the affordability gap in every state, county, metropolitan area and combined non-metropolitan area.
To afford a modest two-bedroom apartment here, an income of at least $28.27 per hour (or an annual salary of $58,800) is required. This translates to the staggering fact that approximately 3.9 full-time jobs at minimum wage are necessary just to secure a two-bedroom place to live in our county.
These numbers are more than statistics; they represent the daily struggles of our neighbors. As one of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members said, “When you’re homeless it’s really hard on your confidence.”
We advocate for housing policies that can bridge this gap and ensure everyone in Chester County has a safe and affordable place to call home. Together, we can make a difference.
ALICE in PA: Financial Hardship is Not Equally Distributed
In Chester County, PA, a deeper dive into the numbers reveals some crucial insights. While the largest population of households below the ALICE Threshold (asset-limited, Income Constrained, Employed) often corresponds with larger demographic groups, it's essential to look beyond the surface. When we examine the proportion of each group facing financial challenges, disparities become evident.
In Chester County, PA, a deeper dive into the numbers reveals some crucial insights. While the largest population of households below the ALICE Threshold (asset-limited, Income Constrained, Employed) often corresponds with larger demographic groups, it's essential to look beyond the surface. When we examine the proportion of each group facing financial challenges, disparities become evident.
Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and people of mixed race are disproportionately represented in ALICE counts compared to their White counterparts, based on 2021 data. This is a stark reminder that economic inequality is not evenly distributed.
So, why does this matter? Because equitable economic policies are not just about numbers; they're about people. To truly end homelessness in Chester County, we must address these disparities head-on, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at economic stability and secure housing. It's a collective effort, and together, we can make a difference. To learn more about what you can do, please visit our affordable housing advocacy webpage.
ALICE in PA: Number of Households in Financial Hardship in PA
According to official measures, 12% of households in Pennsylvania (equivalent to 636,093 households) were considered to be in poverty in 2021 based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, ALICE data tells a different story. An additional 27% (1.4 million households) fall into the ALICE category - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are families and individuals who earn above the poverty line but still can't make ends meet in their communities.
According to official measures, 12% of households in Pennsylvania (equivalent to 636,093 households) were considered to be in poverty in 2021 based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, ALICE data tells a different story. An additional 27% (1.4 million households) fall into the ALICE category - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are families and individuals who earn above the poverty line but still can't make ends meet in their communities.
So, what does this mean for Pennsylvania? Of the 5.2 million households in our state, a staggering 39% (over 2 million households) had incomes below the ALICE Threshold of Financial Survival in 2021. This includes households in poverty and ALICE households, all struggling to afford the basics they need to thrive.
Let's ensure that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their income, has access to the essentials they need for a stable and dignified life. Learn more about what you can do to advocate for affordable housing in our community.
Homelessness Awareness Week: Nov. 11-18, 2023
As a community, we possess the power to create positive change. This year, our theme for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2023 is "Home for Every Heart". Our campaign will shed light on two crucial aspects of our work: the importance of supporting both the development of affordable housing, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience.
As a community, we possess the power to create positive change. This year, our theme for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2023 is "Home for Every Heart". Our campaign will shed light on two crucial aspects of our work: the importance of supporting both the development of affordable housing, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience.
Affordable housing provides stability, security and the foundation upon which individuals and families can rebuild their lives. Today is also Veteran’s Day, and it’s important to recognize that about 35% of the individuals in interim housing in our community identify as veterans. Our work to find long-term, affordable housing for all of the veterans in our community continues. Throughout this week, we will explore the critical role affordable housing plays in preventing and ending homelessness across the nation.
To truly understand and address the complexities of homelessness, we must listen to those who have experienced it firsthand. Their stories and insights are invaluable in shaping effective solutions. Throughout the week, we will feature the voices of individuals who have walked the path from homelessness to stability, highlighting their resilience and the lessons we can learn from their journeys.
As one of our Lived Experience Advisory Board members put it, “I believe I can help people, because of all the experiences I have been through.”
Join us in raising awareness, fostering empathy, and taking action. Throughout the week, we will host a series of initiatives aimed at bringing us closer to our goal: a Chester County where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. Stay tuned for updates throughout Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2023!
Inactive Household By-Name List Exit Policy
The Inactive Policy is an integral component of maintaining a real-time by-name list, as well as a robust Coordinated Entry System. To ensure an efficient assessment and referral process, it is critical that the Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordinator and housing programs have the ability to contact and connect with households as soon as a housing opportunity becomes available.
Background: The Inactive Policy is an integral component of maintaining a real-time by-name list, as well as a robust Coordinated Entry System. To ensure an efficient assessment and referral process, it is critical that the Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordinator and housing programs have the ability to contact and connect with households as soon as a housing opportunity becomes available. Without this policy, the Coordinated Entry System can experience delays in its referral procedures due to the time spent searching for households in the community that they have been unable to reach through multiple attempts, often for many months. Due to this loss of contact, it is difficult for the system to determine whether these households are still in need of housing. In some situations, these households may have self-resolved their housing crisis or relocated to another county.
Policy: If a household on the Chester County By Name List for Case Conferencing has had no contact with Coordinated Entry or Street Outreach for 60 days, AND they have had no services or shelter stays in HMIS for the past 60 days the household will be removed from the “Active Homeless List” and placed on the “Inactive List”. Street Outreach staff will advise all households added to the by-name list to maintain contact with a participating service provider at a minimum every 60 days. If a household on the “Inactive List” makes contact with any members of the homeless system, including outreach workers, drop-in centers, shelters, meal lines, etc., they will be moved from the “Inactive List” to the “Active Homeless List” and then can be referred to housing openings once they have re-engaged with the system, which may require a reassessment of their vulnerability and verification of homelessness status. If a household has had no contact with the Coordinated Entry, Street Outreach, or other Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) participating providers for 90 days, that household is eligible for removal from the by-name list and will be exited from coordinated entry programs and services. Inactive clients will be reviewed at Case Conferencing meetings prior to being exited from the by-Name List. The Case Conferencing group will designate a responsible party tasked with attempting contact with the household, when appropriate. Households that are closed are eligible for services upon re-verification of homelessness and reassessment of vulnerability.
Moving Up and On Policy
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) and its partner providers are guided by the principles that:
Housing is a human right.
Families and individuals experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act should receive housing first, regardless of any barriers to permanent housing stability.
Once housed, families and individuals exiting from homelessness should be provided supportive services to ensure their housing stability.
Housing resources (e.g., case management, housing location services, subsidies, and referrals to other services) should be flexible and customized to the unique needs, strengths, and living situations of a family or individual using a person-centered, progressive approach.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) and its partner providers are guided by the principles that:
Housing is a human right.
Families and individuals experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act should receive housing first, regardless of any barriers to permanent housing stability.
Once housed, families and individuals exiting from homelessness should be provided supportive services to ensure their housing stability.
Housing resources (e.g., case management, housing location services, subsidies, and referrals to other services) should be flexible and customized to the unique needs, strengths, and living situations of a family or individual using a person-centered, progressive approach.
Consistent with these beliefs the CCPEH partnership has developed this Moving Up and On policy to ensure that all persons currently or formerly experiencing homelessness are provided the best opportunity to gain and retain permanent housing.
CCPEH and its partner providers understand that occasionally special circumstances may arise that are not explicitly covered by this policy. In such circumstances it is expected that a majority decision be made based on our guiding principles.
Moving On and Moving Up Eligibility
All Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program participants are eligible for Moving On. To access Moving On services, a program participant or their representative must submit a completed Chester County Moving Up and On Assessment form to appropriate provider agency. All final Moving On recommendations shall be decided by a council consisting of the participating housing program’s staff using the guidelines below.
This policy is primarily intended for use and application by housing provider agencies and the CCPEH Case Conferencing Group. Potential housing provider programs are as follows:
Human Services Inc. RRH-PH for CTI
Human Services Inc. RRH Families & Individuals
Human Services Inc. RRH Families and Individuals
Open Hearth Housing Options PSH & PSH for Chronically Homeless
Human Services Inc. Safe Haven PSH
Housing Authority of Chester County Homeless Preference Housing Choice Voucher
Program
Housing Authority of Chester County Mainstream Voucher Program
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program
Affordable housing developers
Moving Up Guidelines: RRH to PSH or PH
RRH program participants should be considered for PSH or other Permanent Housing (PH) programs based on program availability, eligibility, and as part of a progressive engagement approach. Generally speaking, candidates for this type of intervention have evidenced difficulty in gaining or maintaining housing with RRH resources due the need for more intensive supportive services, financial need, or any combination thereof. Candidates with a strictly financial need, such as those on fixed incomes like SSI, should be considered for permanent housing resources.
Candidates for this intervention will be evaluated using the “Move Up Assessment Form”.
Final recommendations on who will be offered this intervention will be decided by a council consisting of the participating housing program’s staff. In accordance with client choice, participants will be offered this option and must accept to move up from RRH to PSH or PH.
Moving On Guidelines: PSH to PH
Moving On is a voluntary process. Households enrolled in PSH projects have all the rights of tenancy and may remain in a program for as long as they desire. Moving On helps maximizes participant choice by and is intended to promote self- sufficiency for households currently living in PSH.
PSH participants should be considered for PH programs based on program availability, eligibility, and when the participant/s have evidenced insufficient need for formal supportive services through a PSH program. Generally speaking, candidates for this type of intervention have achieved a lengthy period of housing stability in a PSH Program.
Candidates for this intervention will be evaluated by using the CCPEH Moving On Assessment Form.
Final recommendations on who will be offered this intervention will be decided by a council consisting of the participating housing program’s staff. In accordance with client choice, participants will be offered this option and must accept the move from PSH to PH. All participants must sign a waiver indicating that they understand and accept this action.
PSH participants who Move On should be offered case management support as needed.
Training Opportunities
The following training opportunities are available to CCPEH partner providers:
General Overview
For PSH and RRH Providers
For Public Housing Authorities
Supportive Services
Assessment and Preparation
HMIS Workflow
Templates and Forms
The following templates and forms are available from the CCPEH website at https://endhomelessnesschesco.org:
Moving On MOU template
HACC Intake Interview Letter
Move On Assessment Form
Move Up Assessment Form
People can’t afford to live here, say Chester County housing activists
WEST GOSHEN - It is something of a mantra recited by leaders in Chester County that their home is a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. And while that it is almost certainly true, it is also evident that it is not necessarily an affordable place to live, work, raise a family and retire, especially if you have a household that falls below the median income of $110,000.
Chester County’s homeless population rises for first time since 2020
Up until last year, the county had made steady progress when many neighboring jurisdictions struggled to combat the housing crisis, “We continue to look for opportunities to develop more affordable housing. Unfortunately, in this market, it’s become increasingly difficult to find safe, decent, and affordable housing — despite our efforts to create more housing over the past few years,” said Shaun Bollig, deputy director for the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD).
“Chester County’s homeless population rose for the first time since 2020.
Data from Chester County’s 2023 Point-In-Time count tallied 436 unhoused people on Jan. 25, an eight percent increase from 2022. The latest numbers from Pennsylvania’s wealthiest county — which previously pledged to end chronic homelessness by 2021 — are not an encouraging sign.
Up until last year, the county had made steady progress when many neighboring jurisdictions struggled to combat the housing crisis, “We continue to look for opportunities to develop more affordable housing. Unfortunately, in this market, it’s become increasingly difficult to find safe, decent, and affordable housing — despite our efforts to create more housing over the past few years,” said Shaun Bollig, deputy director for the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD).”
Click the button to view the full WHYY article, written by Kenny Cooper:
Chester County 2023 Point-in-Time Count
On the evening of Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 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 Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 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.
436 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on January 25, 2023
Homelessness Over the Last 5 Years**
Race
Ethnicity
33% (or 144) individuals identify as female
37% (or 163) individuals in families with children
25% (or 109) children under age 18
35% (or 141) individuals in interim housing identify as veterans***
10% (or 42) individuals were identified as chronically homeless
29 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: 5 individuals
Downingtown/Thorndale: 3 individuals
Kennett Square: 3 individuals
Malvern/Paoli/Exton: 2 individuals
Oxford: 5 individuals
Parkesburg/Atglen/Honey Brook: 4 individuals
Phoenixville: 2 individuals
West Chester: 5 individuals
Total Individuals, 29
407 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.
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* 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.
** In 2021, Chester County did not conduct a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count due to COVID-19.
*** Veteran status of unsheltered individuals is unknown.
2023 PHARE Funding Awarded to Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Partner Organizations
The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding. Read this blog post to learn more about how PHARE helps address the housing affordability crisis, and how you can help increase the funding cap for this vital program.
In the ongoing battle against the affordable housing crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of organizations that work tirelessly towards creating safe and affordable homes for individuals and families in need.
The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding:
Home of the Sparrow: Apartment Subleases & Trauma-Informed Case Management for Justice-Involved Women
Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children: Chester County Eviction Prevention Court (EPC); NIA House
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County: Homelessness Prevention for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence; Renovations to Housing for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors
Kennett Area Community Service: Homelessness Prevention in Southern Chester County
Housing Partnership of Chester County: Housing Counseling Program
Housing Authority of the County of Chester: Housing Locator Program
W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center, Inc.: Individualized Intensive Case Management and Homelessness Prevention
Human Services, Inc.: Project Rehabilitation
Chester County Department of Community Development: Street Outreach and Data Team Reinforcement Efforts
Open Hearth, Inc.: Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordination
the Potential of PHARE Funding
In our communities, access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental necessity that forms the bedrock of stable and vibrant neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania continues to grapple with a shortage of affordable housing options, leaving countless individuals and families without a place to call home.
One essential tool that has proven effective in addressing this crisis is the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. However, the current funding cap imposed on PHARE significantly limits its impact. It is crucial for us to raise awareness about the urgent need to raise the PHARE funding cap and harness the full potential of this invaluable resource. Let's delve into the importance of PHARE and the benefits of raising the funding cap.
Understanding The PHARE Cap
The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program was established to address the shortage of affordable housing in the state. It provides vital funding to support various initiatives, including rental and down payment assistance, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization. PHARE grants enable local communities, nonprofits, and developers to create affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians.
While PHARE has made significant strides in combating the housing crisis, its impact remains constrained due to the funding cap imposed on the program. The current cap limits the allocation of funds to a mere $25 million annually. Given the magnitude of the housing challenges faced by the state, this cap restricts the program's potential to create lasting change. As demand for affordable housing continues to grow, raising the PHARE funding cap becomes imperative.
Why Raise the Funding Cap?
Increased Availability of Affordable Housing: Raising the funding cap would enable PHARE to support a greater number of affordable housing projects, helping to alleviate the severe shortage experienced by individuals and families across Pennsylvania. More funds mean more homes and more opportunities for those in need.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic Growth: Affordable housing is a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. By raising the funding cap, PHARE can invest in initiatives that not only provide affordable homes but also improve infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance the overall livability of communities.
Strengthening Local Communities: PHARE funds are distributed to local communities, nonprofits, and developers who understand the unique housing challenges of their regions. By raising the funding cap, we empower these entities to address specific needs, foster partnerships, and implement innovative solutions tailored to their communities' requirements.
Long-term Cost Savings: Investing in affordable housing now can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run. Stable housing reduces the strain on emergency shelters, hospitals, and other public services, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.
How Can You Make a Difference?
Share this blog post, along with the PHARE Raise the Cap fact sheet (available at https://housingalliancepa.org/resources/phare-raise-the-cap-fact-sheet/), through social media, email, or community newsletters. Encourage others to educate themselves about the importance of raising the PHARE funding cap. You can also engage with organizations dedicated to affordable housing advocacy, such as the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania (https://housingalliancepa.org/). By joining these groups, you can amplify your impact and contribute to a statewide movement for change.
Navigating an Overburdened Courtroom: How Inconsistent Rules, Shadow Procedures, and Social Capital Disadvantage Tenants in Eviction Court
Landlords and tenants in eviction court navigate a complex legal and administrative process. Eviction courts are overburdened and under pressure to process enormous numbers of cases each day.
Eviction Lab: Eviction Tracking for Pennsylvania
Eviction Lab presents the latest on eviction data in the state of Pennsylvania.
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County Housing Programs
In a recent state-wide survey of domestic violence survivors, 93% of the respondents ranked housing as their most pressing need. The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County offers resources and programming to support domestic violence victims in finding safe, affordable housing.
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.