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LOCAL NEWS: Homelessness decreases by 30% in Chester County
“WEST CHESTER — People are stepping up in Chester County to reduce homelessness.
Monday, the county announced it had reached a “functional zero milestone” for chronic homelessness.
This achievement was first made public during a recent Chester County Department of Community Development event on housing affordability and homelessness held last week on June 2.”
Jen Samuel for Daily Local News
6/8/2026
The State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County
On June 2, 2026, the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness hosted the third annual State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County. More than 150 community members, service providers, advocates, and residents attended the event in person and virtually to learn about current housing and homelessness trends and the collaborative efforts underway across the county.
June 2, 2026
On June 2, 2026, the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness hosted the third annual State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County. More than 150 community members, service providers, advocates, and residents attended the event in person and virtually to learn about current housing and homelessness trends and the collaborative efforts underway across the county.
The event began with opening remarks from Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz.
Attendees then heard a series of presentations focused on the work being done across Chester County to address homelessness and create affordably priced housing from Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development; Matthew Edmond, Executive Director of the Chester County Planning Commission; and Patrick Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Human Services.
The program continued with a panel discussion, Working to End Homelessness. Panelists included Hilary Haake, Data and Street Outreach Manager, Department of Community Development; Rob Henry, Administrator, Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness; Emily Kopp, Street Outreach Lead Coordinator, Department of Community Development; Cory Lovera, Housing and Community Resource Manager, Open Hearth, Inc.; Kelly Raggazino, CEO, Open Hearth, Inc.; and Lauran Rillstone, Community Services and Construction Manager, Department of Community Development.
Closing remarks were delivered by Tamela Luce, President and CEO of Phoenixville Community Health Foundation.
The event concluded with a call to action. Everyone can play a role in preventing and ending homelessness. Here are a few ways to get involved:
Visit our partner page to find organizations where you can volunteer, donate, or learn more about local efforts.
Become a partner with the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness.
Engage with us on social media to help get the message out! Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness on Facebook & @endhomelessnesschesco on Instagram.
Talk with your friends and family about what you learned today.
If you are a landlord or know a landlord who would like to work with us, please email info@openhearthinc.org.
Visit our advocacy page to learn how you can support policies and initiatives that expand housing opportunities.
PRESS RELEASE: Chester County Reaches Functional Zero Milestone for Chronic Homelessness
Collaboration, Data, and Targeted Interventions Drive Measurable Results
“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of community partners, Chester County has reached a functional zero milestone for chronic homelessness, the Chester County Department of Community Development announced at its recent State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County event.
Chronic homelessness refers to long-lasting or recurring homelessness that affects a community’s most vulnerable residents. Achieving this functional zero milestone is the result of a countywide, coordinated, data-driven entry system that has successfully reduced chronic homelessness to a rare, manageable level.”
Chester County 2026 Point-in-Time Count
Homelessness in Chester County at One Point-in-Time
On the evening of Wednesday, January 28 and early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count (PIT). This is 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 experiencing homelessness on a given night, better understand homelessness in Chester County and across the nation, and support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ (CCPEH) efforts to prevent and solve homelessness.
ICYMI: May Partnership Highlights
This May, we were reminded that strong communities are built when everyone has a stable place to call home.
From Affordable Housing Month to Older Americans Month, this issue highlights the progress Chester County is making to prevent and end homelessness through data, partnership, and housing solutions that work. You’ll find updates on system performance, affordable housing efforts, and the collaborative work happening across our community. Together, these stories reflect a simple truth: housing stability strengthens all of us.
This update comes from our newsletter! Want to stay informed and connected? Sign up here to receive future updates straight to your inbox.
This May, we were reminded that strong communities are built when everyone has a stable place to call home.
From Affordable Housing Month to Older Americans Month, this issue highlights the progress Chester County is making to prevent and end homelessness through data, partnership, and housing solutions that work. You’ll find updates on system performance, affordable housing efforts, and the collaborative work happening across our community. Together, these stories reflect a simple truth: housing stability strengthens all of us.
Keep reading for updates you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our events page.
Built For Zero communities take a different approach to ending homelessness.
They utilize by-name data, integrated teams, community-level measurements, and more to reach #FunctionalZero.
Learn more about why Chester County is proud to be a Built for Zero community. #HomelessnessIsSovlable
No state has enough affordable rental homes for its lowest-income residents.
That’s the reality highlighted in the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s 2026 report, The Gap.
🏘️In Pennsylvania, the shortage is staggering: 262,753 rental homes are missing for extremely low-income renters.
Behind that number are real people, forced to make impossible choices between paying rent and covering basic needs like food, healthcare, and transportation.
And this isn’t just a challenge for the lowest-income households. More than 1 million Pennsylvania households spend over 30% of their income on housing, putting stability out of reach for many.
⭐There is a path forward. Pennsylvania’s first-ever Housing Action Plan lays out a statewide strategy to increase housing supply, reduce costs, and create more stable housing opportunities for people across all income levels.
Affordable housing isn’t just a challenge for lower-income families anymore. It’s impacting entire communities.
For generations, people were told that education and a stable career would lead to opportunity, security, and a place to call home. Today, that promise feels less certain.
The reason is simple: there aren’t enough homes. When housing is scarce, costs rise. Across the country, nearly 1 in 2 renters* and 1 in 4 homeowners** are spending too much of their income just to stay housed. That means less money for savings, childcare, healthcare, and everyday life.
This pressure spreads across the entire community, making it harder for teachers, service workers, young professionals, and families to afford to live where they work.
This affects all of us.
The solution is clear. We need more housing, and more types of housing, at a range of price points. Because when communities build enough housing, costs stabilize, more people can stay rooted, and fewer people are pushed into crisis.
Housing affordability isn’t someone else’s issue. It shapes what is possible for all of us.
*US Census Bureau, Nearly Half of Renter Households Are Cost-Burdened, Proportions Differ by Race (2024)
**Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, The State of the Nation's Housing (2025)
Chester County has experienced a 52% decrease in people experiencing sheltered homelessness over the last 5 years.
Our latest System Performance Report is now live. Dive into the numbers and see how Chester County is working to prevent and end homelessness: endhomelessnesschesco.org/dashboard-annual-data
We all want to age with dignity, stability, and a sense of belonging.
May is Older Americans Month. Older adults are the fastest growing group of people experiencing homelessness in America.
Take a step today to protect your future and the people you care about. Visit our advocacy page at endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy to learn how you can support housing stability in our community. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Human Needs Network at 2-1-1 to get connected to resources in Chester County.
When there isn’t enough housing, everyone feels it.
But progress is happening.
In 2022, the Chester County Department of Community Development set a goal to add 1,000 affordable housing units in Chester County by 2030, and it's already underway:
🏘️283 new homes opened
🚧139 units under development
⚙️67 units pending
Each new home means more stability, more opportunity, and more people able to live and work in the community they call home.
Imagine knowing the story behind every name.
That’s what by-name data does — it gives us a complete picture of everyone experiencing homelessness. This approach isn’t just about numbers; it is about matching real people with the right housing solutions tailored to their needs.
🔍 Why does this matter? Because personalized solutions are powerful. By understanding individual circumstances through by-name lists, our community can make informed decisions that directly help people find their way home.
Chester County saw a 10% decrease in people experiencing first time homelessness in FY2025.
Chester County’s latest System Performance Report is available now! Explore the data and learn more about our progress: endhomelessnesschesco.org/dashboard-annual-data
Chester County 2026 Continuum of Care System Performance Data
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 (HMIS) to help generate data that informs system improvement.
Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement. This data is shared annually with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The 2026 System Performance Report reflects data collected between Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
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 (HMIS) to help generate data that informs system improvement.
Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement. This data is shared annually with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The 2026 System Performance Report reflects data collected in Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. Inside the report, you’ll find insights on:
People entering shelter and first-time homelessness
Length of stay in emergency shelters
Outcomes of housing assistance and stability services
ICYMI: April Partnership Highlights
A stronger Chester County begins with compassion and a shared commitment to housing stability.
This month, the Partnership highlights the power of hope and community collaboration as solutions to housing instability. We also examine the critical connection between health and housing, including the potential impacts of Medicaid work requirements on vulnerable residents. In recognition of Earth Day and Fair Housing Month, the Partnership reflects on how climate change and systemic barriers shape housing access and reinforces the importance of equitable, sustainable solutions for all.
This update comes from our newsletter! Want to stay informed and connected? Sign up here to receive future updates straight to your inbox.
A stronger Chester County begins with compassion and a shared commitment to housing stability.
This month, the Partnership highlights the power of hope and community collaboration as solutions to housing instability. We also examine the critical connection between health and housing, including the potential impacts of Medicaid work requirements on vulnerable residents. In recognition of Earth Day and Fair Housing Month, the Partnership reflects on how climate change and systemic barriers shape housing access and reinforces the importance of equitable, sustainable solutions for all.
Keep reading for updates you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our events page.
During the National Month of Hope, we’re sharing "Steve’s" story.
"Steve,” Brandywine Valley Active Aging, Open Hearth, and Chester County Department of Community Development Street Outreach worked together, as a team, to build a path toward stability—step by step, resource by resource—until “Steve” secured permanent housing.
His journey is a testament to resilience, the incredible power of community collaboration, and the belief that with the right support, lasting change is possible. When we work together, we can solve homelessness!
Read "Steve's" full story here.
Health and housing are deeply connected.
For many people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, access to healthcare coverage like Medicaid is essential to maintaining stability and preventing future housing crises.
On World Health Day, we recommend a helpful blog post by Marcella Maguire, Ph.D., Director of Health Systems Integration at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, outlining practical steps states, advocates, and housing providers can take to help prevent coverage loss.
Read the full blog post here.
No matter our race, gender or income, every person in Chester County needs a safe place to sleep at night.
Too many of our neighbors are being forced into homelessness by rising costs and systemic barriers.
The good news? There are evidence-based strategies that work so everyone in our community has shelter. 🔑 Add your voice to the movement—visit our advocacy page today: endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy
Climate change and housing stability are more connected than many realize. 🌍
For people experiencing homelessness, extreme weather and displacement can create immediate health risks and deepen existing inequities.
Building strong homelessness response systems doesn’t just help those experiencing housing instability. It strengthens community resilience so everyone is better protected during extreme weather and natural disasters.
April is Fair Housing Month. 🏡
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. These protections extend across the housing system, from shelters to rental housing to homeownership.
Learn more about fair housing rights and resources from the Chester County Department of Community Development and the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania.
Events
The State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County
📅 June 2, 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 In-Person & Virtual
🎟️ Registration is required.
Visit endhomelessnesschesco.org/events to learn more and register.
Your event could be here!
The Partnership welcomes event submissions from all Housing Solution and Organization Partners to share with our network.
Already a partner with an upcoming event? Email Kasey at kschlack@chesco.org
Interested in joining? Become a partner at endhomelessnesschesco.org/partnership-benefits
Resources
Advocates' Guide 2026, National Low Income Housing Coalition
The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Domestic Violence Counts: 20th Annual Report, National Network to End Domestic Violence
“Steve’s” Story
From August 2021 to August 2025, for a total of 1,354 days, “Steve” faced the daily challenges of chronic homelessness. “Steve”, rightfully, did not always trust the teams and people from the Chester County Coordinated Entry system that tried to work with him, but through perseverance and gradual rapport building, “Steve” began to trust a few people. He connected with Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) Street Outreach Team, funded in part through Chester County’s HUD CoC-CE grant, in 2021 and then eventually began working more closely with the dedicated team at Brandywine Valley Active Aging (BVAA) for Case Management.
After many attempts at several permanent housing options through the Case Conferencing process, “Steve” was finally eligible for Open Hearth, Inc.’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) team and was referred to that program through Case Conferencing. The case management team at BVAA, aided by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding via Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD), was critical to helping ensure that “Steve” was connected to every resource possible so that he would have all of the documents needed for the program. The BVAA team also helped the CoC PSH team build rapport with “Steve” so that he didn’t feel alone in the process. “Steve’s” trust in BVAA’s Case Management was pivotal to him connecting with the new housing team.
Many people thought that “Steve” would not want to work with the program and “didn’t want to be housed”. The Case Conferencing team didn’t believe that. They believed that “Steve” simply hadn’t been shown a permanent housing option that fit him and his needs. “Steve” accepted the referral to the CoC PSH program and was opened in June of 2025 and permanently housed in his own rental unit, in his hometown, at the beginning of August 2025.
Coordinated Entry and “Steve” worked together, as a team, to build a path toward stability—step by step, resource by resource—until “Steve” secured permanent housing. His journey is a testament to resilience, the incredible power of community collaboration, and the belief that with the right support, lasting change is possible. This team truly believes that housing is a human right and everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
ICYMI: March Partnership Highlights
As March comes to a close, we're reflecting on the collective efforts solving homelessness in Chester County.
In this issue, we thank the volunteers who supported January’s Point-in-Time Count, celebrate Women’s History Month, and share an overview of Coordinated Entry. Most importantly, we invite you to join us for The State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County to learn, connect, and be part of the solution.
Keep reading for updates you won’t want to miss!
This update comes from our newsletter! Want to stay informed and connected? Sign up here to receive future updates straight to your inbox.
As March comes to a close, we're reflecting on the collective efforts solving homelessness in Chester County.
In this issue, we thank the volunteers who supported January’s Point-in-Time Count, celebrate Women’s History Month, and share an overview of Coordinated Entry.
Most importantly, we invite you to join us for The State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County to learn, connect, and be part of the solution.
Keep reading for updates you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our events page.
You're invited to The State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County!
This annual event will explore the current state of housing affordability and homelessness in Chester County, highlight ongoing efforts to prevent and end homelessness, and discuss ways our community can support these initiatives.
📅 June 2, 2026
🕙 10:00 – 11:30 AM
📍 In-Person & Virtual
🎟️ Registration is required.
Visit endhomelessnesschesco.org/events to learn more and register.
❄️On the night of January 28th, 9 teams of volunteers completed the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count across Chester County.
Take a look at the photos in this post to see the teams in West Chester, Phoenixville, Coatesville, and Oxford in action.
📸The PIT count is meant to serve as a snapshot of homelessness in a community and to provide a sense of the overall scope of homelessness in America
This effort was made possible through the incredible dedication of volunteers from Brandywine Valley Active Aging, Chester County Department of Community Development, Coatesville Bible Fellowship, Coatesville VA Medical Center, City of Coatesville Police Department, Friends Association, Good Samaritan Services, Human Services, Inc., Kennett Area Community Service, North Star of Chester County, Open Hearth, Oxford Neighborhood Services, and SILO.
Women's History Month
This Women’s History Month, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible women working to solve homelessness and those experiencing homelessness.💙
From frontline workers to system changemakers, your commitment to ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home inspires us all. Your dedication, compassion, and leadership are transforming communities and changing lives.
And to the women experiencing homelessness, whose resilience inspire us every day, we see you and honor your strength.
🔎Look through our Housing Solution Partners to find services for women, or consider volunteering or donating to support their work: endhomelessnesschesco.org/partners-directory
What is Coordinated Entry?
Coordinated Entry is the process our community uses to ensure anyone experiencing a housing crisis has fair and equal access to help. It allows people to be quickly identified, assessed, and connected to the housing and services that best fit their strengths and needs.
Here’s how it works:
📲Step 1: Call the Chester County Human Needs Network at 2-1-1
🤝Step 2: Prevention, Diversion, and/or Street Outreach
🏠Step 3: Connection to Emergency Shelter, Housing Location Services, Permanent Housing Resources, and/or Housing Stability Services
ICYMI: February Partnership Highlights
Even in the coldest months, our community showed up with warmth and purpose.
As we celebrated Black History Month and Valentine's Day, we also saw love reflected in advocacy and generosity. February gave us the opportunity to thank the dedicated volunteers who made the Point-in-Time Count possible and continue our work advancing housing affordability. This month highlighted what's possible when compassion meets commitment
Keep reading for more updates you won’t want to miss!
This update comes from our newsletter! Want to stay informed and connected? Sign up here to receive future updates straight to your inbox.
Even in the coldest months, our community showed up with warmth and purpose.
As we celebrated Black History Month and Valentine's Day, we also saw love reflected in advocacy and generosity. February gave us the opportunity to thank the dedicated volunteers who made the Point-in-Time Count possible and continue our work advancing housing affordability. This month highlighted what's possible when compassion meets commitment
Keep reading for more updates you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Black History Month
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor Bayard Rustin, a civil rights strategist (born in West Chester) whose life’s work shaped our nation’s pursuit of justice and opportunity. From organizing the historic 1963 March on Washington to advancing fair housing in West Chester and nationwide, Rustin also dedicated himself to labor justice, LGBTQ+ and AIDS activism, human rights, and nonviolent activism that lifted up communities and strengthened social change
We honor his enduring legacy and commitment to dignity and equity for all. Learn more about how the Partnership is working to build on foundations like Rustin’s in our community at https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/racial-social-equity
The Partnership is a sucker for...
Affordable housing.
Decriminalizing homelessness.
Emergency solutions.
Continuum of Care.
Rental assistance.
Substance use & mental health supports.
These are key policy solutions that help prevent and end homelessness in Chester County. ❤️
Our advocacy agenda breaks down the national, state, and local policies that support these priorities and how to take action.
💌 Want to learn more? Visit our advocacy page: https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy
Take a look at what our teams brought them during the night of the Point-in-Time Count.
🧥 Warm Gear: Reflective care bags donated by RC Clothing, hats, socks, blankets, sleeping bags, and hand warmers.
🧼 Essentials: Street outreach care bags donated by Westminster Presbyterian Church with hygiene items and food, plus additional snacks packed in each box.
📇 Resources: Human Needs Network contact cards to connect people with support.
🎨 Activities for Kids: Coloring books and crayons.
📁 Team Folder: Location lists, surveys, and key information to guide teams through the night.
We are grateful to our volunteers who braved the freezing temperatures, and to RC Clothing and Westminster Presbyterian Church for helping ensure teams were prepared to give out critical supplies. Because of you, we were able to show up for our unsheltered neighbors during weather when it’s needed most and deepen our understanding of homelessness in Chester County.
Chester County is stronger when everyone has a home they can afford.
🏠 When workers can live in the communities they serve, businesses thrive and our local economy grows stronger.
Housing stability is workforce stability.
🔑Join us in pushing for practical solutions — visit our advocacy page to learn more: https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy
ICYMI: January Partnership Highlights
January was a month of progress and community milestones!
We were excited to celebrate with Friends Association at the ribbon cutting of their new family shelter on January 26th and to carry out the 2026 Point-in-Time Count for Chester County on January 28th, helping us better understand and address homelessness in our community.
Keep reading for more updates you won’t want to miss!
This update comes from our newsletter! Want to stay informed and connected? Sign up here to receive future updates straight to your inbox.
January was a month of progress and community milestones!
We were excited to celebrate with Friends Association at the ribbon cutting of their new family shelter on January 26th and to carry out the 2026 Point-in-Time Count for Chester County on January 28th, helping us better understand and address homelessness in our community.
Keep reading for more updates you won’t want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our events page often.
What matters most to you?
This year, we want to make sure we are providing the resources and education you need on ending homelessness in Chester County.
📲 Stay connected:
Instagram: @EndHomelessnessChesco
Facebook: @ChescoPartnership
✉️ Have ideas or questions? Email us at ccpteh@chesco.org. We want to hear from you!
Permanent supportive housing combines affordable housing with support services for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
In Chester County, it provides lasting stability for over 60 households and 150 individuals.
💡Permanent supportive housing is a cost-effective solution, shown to lower public costs associated with the use of crisis services, increase housing stability and improve health.
Do you know your rights as a renter?
During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, the Partnership, Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, and Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania hosted two virtual Renters’ Rights events.
🎥 Recordings and slides are now available in English and Spanish.
English: endhomelessnesschesco.org/resources/2025/11/25/know-your-rights-as-a-renter
Spanish: endhomelessnesschesco.org/resources/2025/11/25/know-your-rights-as-a-renter-nbjmt
💬 What renter questions would you like us to cover next?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a champion for justice and equality
In Chicago, Dr. King led the Chicago Freedom Movement, fighting against housing discrimination and segregation. His efforts helped bring national attention to unfair housing practices and paved the way for the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark step toward equal access to housing for all.
🏘️ We remember his vision: a community where everyone has the right to a safe, affordable home.
For Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity resources in Chester County, please visit www.chesco.org/3725/Fair-Housing-Equal-Opportunity
Nearly 1 in 2 Chester County Residents experience housing cost burden
For many cost burdened renters, this could mean tough decisions between choosing between paying rent, medical care, or buying healthy food.
During Poverty in America Awareness Month, we recognize how housing affordability impacts stability in Chester County.
👉 Need help? Visit endhomelessnesschesco.org/get-help
Leadership with experience matters
🌟 Leadership with lived experience matters.
Rob Henry, Partnership Administrator, along with Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) Co-Chairs Lynnee Wilson-Smith and Cheryl Sabb, presented at the Housing Alliance of PA Homes Within Reach Conference on Formalizing Engagement of People with Lived Expertise.
👏 Their presentation showcased LEAB projects, lessons learned, successes, and reinforced the impact LEAB members continue to have in the community.
Emergency shelters play a critical role in ending homelessness.
Effective shelters should embrace a Housing First approach, offer immediate and low-barrier access to anyone facing a housing crisis, and measure shelter performance in order to improve results. The Emergency Shelter Learning Series is a collection of webinars and resources from the Alliance focused on explaining the philosophy and practice of effective emergency shelter.
Emergency shelters play a critical role in ending homelessness and are especially important in bitter cold conditions.
Below, you will find Guidance on Effective Shelter Expectations from the Emergency Shelter Learning Series by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
West Chester gets a new family shelter: ‘We will not turn our eyes away from homelessness’
January 21, 2026
The Friends Association’s new building located 825 Paoli Pike comprises an office space and a 10-unit family shelter.
Conozca Sus Derechos Como Inquilino
20 de noviembre de 2025
Durante la Semana de Concientización sobre el Hambre y las Personas sin Hogar, CCPEH organizó un webinar donde el Centro de Igualdad de Vivienda de Pensilvania y la Ayuda Legal del Sureste de PA presentaron información importante sobre sus derechos como inquilino.
Know Your Rights as a Renter
November 19, 2025
During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, CCPEH hosted a webinar where The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania and Legal Aid of Southeastern PA presented important information about your rights as a renter.
Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2025
Community members are invited to help create a powerful art installation for Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day honoring the 313 individuals experiencing homelessness during Chester County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count. Our goal is to collect 313 decorated homes.
Sunday, December 21, 2025
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day occurs each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. This particular date reminds us that no one should be experiencing homelessness - not ever, and especially not during these cold and unforgiving winter months.
This page will be updated regularly. Check back here and our social media to follow the progression of the Community Art Project!
Community Art Project
Community members were invited to help create a powerful art installation honoring those who have passed away while experiencing homelessness and the 313 individuals experiencing homelessness during Chester County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count. Our goal was to collect 313 decorated homes and imagine a Chester County where everyone has a home.
The decorated home are being featured with others on a large banner (pictured) displayed at the Government Services Center from December 16-21, 2025 and shared on our social media. Together, they create a unified message that everyone has a role in building a strong, safe community where every neighbor has a home.
We hope that this year’s community art project can serve as a heartfelt reminder of our unhoused neighbors while also bringing awareness to the ongoing work to address homelessness in Chester County and beyond.
In Remembrance
On Wednesday, December 17, the Partnership also accepted a proclamation from the Chester County Commissioners recognizing Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. Rob Henry, Partnership Administrator, and Kasey Schlack, Partnership Coordinator, were joined by Dolores Colligan, Director of the Department of Community Development, along with team and board members of Friends Association who were recognized for their significant partnership in ending family homelessness.
This year, we honor the eleven individuals in Chester County who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in 2025.
Helene D. | 86
Helen D. | 50
Mervin G. | 57
Kevin G. | 54
Adrienne K. | 65
Antoinette L. | 59
Domingo M. | 57
Lois R. | 82
Henry T. | 67
Robert Z. | 60
Jimmy C. | 67
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 everyone in Chester County with safe, affordable housing.
Learn more about how you can also volunteer or donate to the cause of ending homelessness in our community.
Chester County 2025 Point-in-Time Count Homelessness in Chester County at One Point in Time
On the evening of Wednesday, January 29 and early hours of Thursday, January 30, 2025 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count (PIT). 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 solve homelessness.
On the evening of Wednesday, January 29 and early hours of Thursday, January 30, 2025 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point in Time Count (PIT). 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 solve homelessness.
Chester County 2025 Continuum of Care System Performance Data
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 (HMIS) to help generate data that informs system improvement. Each year, we evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement. Each year, we report our system performance data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and evaluate this data looking for markers of success and areas for improvement.
Partnerships and programs addressing homelessness in Chester County
Chester County Press article by Richard Gaw, “Regarding the issue of homelessness in Chester County, the good news is that a consortium of agencies is conspiring to provide a hand-up to those who are struggling to find secure housing in the county, in the form of bold initiatives and collaborations.”
Chester County Press article by Richard Gaw, “Regarding the issue of homelessness in Chester County, the good news is that a consortium of agencies is conspiring to provide a hand-up to those who are struggling to find secure housing in the county, in the form of bold initiatives and collaborations.”
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Governance Board Charter
The updated Governance Board Charter outlines the structure, mission, and strategic direction of the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (PA-505 CoC). This foundational document defines the roles, responsibilities, and membership criteria of the Governance Board, emphasizing equity, collaboration, and data-driven solutions to make homelessness in Chester County rare, brief, and nonrecurring. It serves as a guide for coordinated efforts among service providers, public agencies, and community partners committed to achieving housing stability for all.