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“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.
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Operational Plan Goals 2023-2026
Explore the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’s (CCPEH) Operational Plan Goals. The Operational Plan outlines CCPEH's key priorities over a three-year period.
Home is... Love
A safe, stable home is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation for well-being, connection, and opportunity. When communities work together to address homelessness with data-driven solutions, trauma-informed care, and housing-first approaches, we create lasting change. By ensuring everyone has a place to call home, we foster mental health, strengthen families, and build a future where housing is a right, not a privilege.
Home as a Community Solution
Homelessness is a complex issue, but data-driven, collaborative approaches can drive meaningful change. One such approach is championed by Rosanne Haggerty, the founding president of Community Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness. Haggerty’s initiatives, including real-time data tracking and breaking down bureaucratic barriers, have significantly reduced homelessness in numerous U.S. cities. Her work underscores the importance of treating homelessness as a public health emergency, coordinating resources effectively, and holding programs accountable for housing outcomes rather than temporary relief measures like shelter occupancy or meal distribution.
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) is part of Built for Zero, a national movement led by Community Solutions. Built for Zero brings together over 100 communities committed to ending homelessness through data-driven strategies. These communities use real-time data to improve homeless response systems, aiming to make homelessness rare and brief.
Learn more about Built for Zero here:
https://community.solutions/communities/chester-county-pa/
Homes Foster Mental Health and Connection
A stable home is more than just a roof over one’s head—it is a foundation for mental well-being and strong family connections. Research highlights the deep psychological benefits of safe and secure housing. People living in stable homes report lower levels of stress and anxiety, greater self-worth, and a stronger sense of belonging. When neighborhoods invest in safe housing, they foster a culture of mutual support, where families and communities can thrive together.
Beyond personal benefits, safe housing is vital for strengthening social bonds. When individuals feel secure in their living environments, they are better equipped to engage in their communities, pursue education and career goals, and build healthier relationships. Investing in housing stability is, therefore, an investment in stronger, more resilient communities.
Read more about the psychological impact of safe housing: https://www.safehomesmovement.org/2024/01/02/the-psychological-impact-of-safe-housing/
Strengthening Families Through Housing Stability
Stable housing is a critical factor in a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Families experiencing housing instability—whether due to overcrowding, eviction, or frequent relocations—are at greater risk of child welfare involvement. Studies show that housing insecurity can increase stressors that lead to child maltreatment and delays in family reunification.
To address this issue, housing stability can be leveraged as a prevention strategy at multiple levels:
Primary Prevention: Ensuring access to affordable housing can help reduce the risk factors associated with child maltreatment before they arise.
Secondary Prevention: Targeted housing support can assist families at high risk of child welfare involvement due to poverty, health issues, or substance use challenges.
Tertiary Prevention: Stable housing is crucial for families involved in the child welfare system, aiding successful reunification and preventing re-entry into the system.
More on housing stability and child welfare:
https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/strengthening-families-through-housing-stability
Housing First as an Act of Collective Care
Housing First is not just a policy—it’s a philosophy rooted in dignity and community support. Lawrence Lincoln, a formerly unhoused individual, shares his perspective on homelessness as a public health crisis and the need for a whole-community approach. He emphasizes that solutions should not focus solely on housing availability but also on harm reduction, access to healthcare, and infrastructure improvements such as sanitation facilities and resource-sharing networks.
Programs that prioritize trauma-informed care, rehabilitation services, and workforce empowerment play a key role in helping individuals transition from homelessness to stability. By treating unhoused individuals with dignity and offering comprehensive support, we can foster a more inclusive and caring community.
Read Lawrence Lincoln’s insights:
https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/epdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01007
Conclusion
At its core, home is love—a space where people feel safe, connected, and valued. Addressing homelessness requires a collective effort that combines data-driven strategies, mental health support, child welfare initiatives, and community-based interventions.
By working together, we can create a future where every individual has the stability and security of a home.
Join us in this mission.
Learn more about our work and how you can help:
https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy
Home is… Foundational
Housing First is a transformative approach that recognizes housing as the foundation for personal growth, stability, and community well-being. Unlike traditional models that often require individuals to meet specific conditions—such as completing treatment or maintaining sobriety—before receiving housing, Housing First provides immediate, permanent housing without prerequisites. This philosophy sees stable housing as an essential starting point for addressing challenges, not as a reward for overcoming them.
The Role of Housing First in Rebuilding Lives and Communities
Housing First is a transformative approach that recognizes housing as the foundation for personal growth, stability, and community well-being. Unlike traditional models that often require individuals to meet specific conditions—such as completing treatment or maintaining sobriety—before receiving housing, Housing First provides immediate, permanent housing without prerequisites. This philosophy sees stable housing as an essential starting point for addressing challenges, not as a reward for overcoming them.
At its core, Housing First is about offering people autonomy and flexibility. It connects individuals to supportive services tailored to their unique needs like mental health care, substance use treatment, or reconnections with family and community networks. Services are voluntary, ensuring that individuals retain agency over their journey to stability. By focusing on immediate housing and offering individualized support, Housing First challenges the "one-size-fits-all" approach often seen in other housing interventions, creating a system that is better equipped to meet people where they uniquely are.
Housing First has also been found to strengthen communities. By addressing chronic homelessness and providing long-term stability, this approach reduces the strain on emergency shelters, healthcare systems, and other public resources. Research shows that Housing First policies are not only effective at keeping people housed, but also cost-efficient by saving taxpayers money by decreasing reliance on emergency services. Beyond the economic benefits, Housing First also fosters healthier, more resilient communities by helping individuals rebuild their lives and contribute to society in meaningful ways. This approach lays the groundwork for a future where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.
Testimonials: Transforming Lives Through Housing First
James’ journey vividly illustrates the transformative power of the Housing First approach. Before accessing stable housing, James recounts facing the brutal realities of homelessness, relying on extreme measures like huddling for warmth during harsh winters. His first apartment was a sanctuary—an experience he likened to paradise, offering him safety, warmth, and dignity. With the support of a compassionate Housing First team, James reports being able to learn essential life skills, from budgeting and grocery shopping to accessing food assistance programs. Beyond meeting his immediate needs, the team provided unwavering encouragement and reliable support, creating a safety net that empowered James to rebuild his life, find work, and maintain stability: “It was like going from being adrift in the ocean to finding a port and a support network,” James says, underscoring the profound impact of this approach.
Similarly, international programs like Sacred Heart Mission’s Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) in Australia confirm the long-term benefits of combining housing with intensive, relationship-based support. Over three years, J2SI participants receive wraparound services tailored to their needs, resulting in stable housing for 90% of individuals even years after completing the program. Participants like Terri shared how the program provided them the time and trust needed to heal from trauma, reconnect with loved ones, and reintegrate into their communities: “Investing three years may seem like a lot, but it’s nothing to turn around a life. It’s better for me, my family, and the community.”
These first-hand testimonials align with broader research showing that Housing First and similarly aligned housing focused approaches secure stable housing and deliver measurable health outcomes. By addressing interconnected challenges like substance use disorder and mental health through harm reduction and community-based care, programs across the U.S., like those in New Jersey, prove the value of holistic ecosystems of support. Together, these stories and data highlight that housing is much more than just a roof over one’s head — it is the foundation for safety, recovery, and thriving communities.
Data Showing Reductions in Homelessness Through Housing First Policies
Housing First programs have demonstrated success in reducing homelessness, especially among populations that traditionally encounter barriers to obtaining housing. By prioritizing permanent housing without preconditions such as sobriety or mandatory participation in services, Housing First creates a foundation of stability. This stability has been shown to reduce substance use, increase access to mental health and substance use services, and decrease involvement with the criminal justice system. A 2004 study found that 79% of individuals placed in Housing First programs remained stably housed after six months, compared to only 27% in traditional programs requiring sobriety or treatment compliance. The model underscores housing as a stabilizing factor, enabling individuals to address other challenges more effectively once their basic need for shelter is met.
Beyond improving individual outcomes, Housing First generates substantial public cost savings, particularly in healthcare. Recent research analyzing chronically homeless Medicaid enrollees in Massachusetts found that Housing First participants experienced significantly greater reductions in healthcare utilization and costs compared to a control group. These reductions included fewer emergency room visits, mental health encounters, and other healthcare services, resulting in average savings of $10,470 per person annually. While both groups saw some cost reductions, the study confirmed that the savings for Housing First participants were not merely due to regression to the mean but reflected the program’s direct impact. By providing stable housing, Housing First reduces reliance on costly emergency care, yielding benefits for individuals and communities alike.
To fully realize the potential of Housing First, however, it must be implemented at scale with adequate funding for deeply affordable housing and supportive services. Policymakers’ reluctance to commit sufficient resources has hindered the expansion of these proven solutions. Evidence from Houston illustrates what is possible with sustained investment: the city achieved a 53% reduction in overall homelessness between 2011 and 2015 through a Housing First strategy, effectively ending veteran homelessness. Comprehensive approaches like Houston’s that integrate outreach, housing placement, and ongoing support highlight the transformative power of Housing First when it is implemented with fidelity and provided adequate resources. By scaling Housing First alongside accessible services, communities can make significant strides toward ending homelessness.
How You Can Help
Expanding the Housing First model and ensuring access to affordable housing and supportive services are critical steps toward ending homelessness and creating stronger, healthier communities. The evidence is clear: when people have stable housing, they can access the resources they need to thrive, and public systems save money. Visit our affordable housing advocacy page at https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy to learn how you can help advance policies that close the gap between incomes and housing costs.
Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2024
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.
Community Art Project
Local shelters, housing organizations, schools, churches, and community members have personalized wooden house decorations centered around this year’s theme, “Home is…”. Submissions explore what having a place to call “home” means to each contributor, highlighting the importance of ensuring everyone in our community has a safe, stable place to call home.
We hope that this year’s virtual art gallery 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.
“Home Is…” submissions:
Click on the images below to read more about
the inspiration behind each piece of artwork.
In Remembrance
This year, we honor the five individuals in Chester County who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in 2024.
Benjamin W. | 56 years old
Denise D. | 31 years old
J. H. | 58 years old
Louis G. | 67 years old
Arthur S. | 80 years old
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.
Redlining and the Challenge of Building Wealth in Chester County
When we talk about homelessness in Chester County, we cannot ignore the broader systemic issues that contribute to housing instability. Among these issues is redlining — a practice that has systematically denied certain communities, particularly communities of color, the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership. To understand homelessness today, it's crucial to explore how redlining continues to affect wealth building, housing stability, and economic opportunities for residents in Chester County and beyond.
When we talk about homelessness in Chester County, we cannot ignore the broader systemic issues that contribute to housing instability. Among these issues is redlining — a practice that has systematically denied certain communities, particularly communities of color, the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership. To understand homelessness today, it's crucial to explore how redlining continues to affect wealth building, housing stability, and economic opportunities for residents in Chester County and beyond.
What is Redlining?
Redlining refers to the discriminatory practice used by banks and insurers beginning in the 1930s, where neighborhoods deemed "undesirable" were outlined in red on maps, marking them as high-risk for loans or insurance. The label "undesirable" often corresponded directly to racial demographics — neighborhoods with predominantly Black and immigrant residents were consistently marked in red. This led to decades of disinvestment, not only in these neighborhoods but also in the lives of those living there. Even today, these practices leave lingering effects, contributing to racial wealth gaps and disparities in homeownership. The enduring impact of redlining means that wealthier areas become systemically more white, and more diverse neighborhoods face economic challenges. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions to promote equitable housing opportunities and dismantle the structural inequities rooted in these historically discriminatory practices.
The Link Between Redlining and Homelessness
Generational wealth is one of the most important buffers against housing insecurity. For many families, homeownership serves as a financial safety net, a way to pass value down to future generations, and a foundation for other economic opportunities like education or entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, redlining denied many families this opportunity, making it difficult for their children and grandchildren to accumulate wealth. Today, the legacy of redlining contributes directly to barriers that some Chester County residents face when trying to access stable housing or break free from cycles of poverty.
According to a recent report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, communities of color are more likely to face evictions, housing cost burdens, and long-term housing instability. This is partly because redlining prevents many families from building wealth and accessing quality financial services, leading to a cycle where housing remains unaffordable for successive generations. In Chester County, the absence of affordable housing options further compounds this issue, contributing to the increasing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
A Housing-First Approach to Addressing Inequities
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness takes a housing-first approach to address these challenges. Housing-first means recognizing that stable housing is not the reward for overcoming obstacles, but rather the essential foundation on which individuals and families can thrive. By understanding historical barriers like redlining, our community can advocate for policies and resources that actively dismantle these inequities and make it easier for people to access stable housing without the burden of outdated prejudices that still shape today's housing landscape.
For instance, the Chester County Affordable Housing Trust Fund is working to invest in programs and initiatives that directly address disparities, such as funding for affordable housing developments and incentives for landlords to offer fair leasing opportunities. Similarly, Pennsylvania has introduced a state-based housing tax credit program to encourage the development of affordable rental housing. This program aims to reverse the impacts of discriminatory housing practices by expanding affordable housing credits to underserved areas, thereby creating opportunities for individuals previously affected by such practices to access stable and secure housing. This type of investment helps create an opportunity for individuals who were previously boxed out by discriminatory practices to finally gain access to stable and secure housing.
Moving Forward Together
Addressing homelessness in Chester County isn’t just about providing shelters or emergency services. It requires us to look honestly at how we got here—to face the history of redlining and its ongoing effects—and to focus our energy on creating an equitable system. When we invest in affordable housing and adopt policies that support underserved communities, we chip away at the foundations of inequality that continue to impact us all. Learn how you can get involved with the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness. Let's work together to reduce the impact of redlining and create a future where stable housing is a reality for all.
Chester County Community Foundation awards $45,000 to 15 nonprofits
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Community Foundation (CCCF) is pleased to announce $45,505 in capacity building grants to 15 Chester County nonprofits. Grants and Scholarship Policy Committee members carefully selected this year’s recipients
in a competitive grantmaking process.
The missions and programs of the organizations selected reflect CCCF’s mission to connect people who care with causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week occurs every year the week before Thanksgiving and serves as a time to reflect on two interconnected challenges facing communities across the U.S., including in Chester County: hunger and homelessness. This year, the week occurs Nov. 17-23. As living costs rise, many individuals in Chester County face housing and food insecurity. Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) aims to use a housing-first lens to make strides toward long-term stability for the residents of Chester County.
Chester County
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week occurs every year the week before Thanksgiving and serves as a time to reflect on two interconnected challenges facing communities across the U.S., including in Chester County: hunger and homelessness. This year, the week occurs Nov. 17-23. As living costs rise, many individuals in Chester County face housing and food insecurity. Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) aims to use a housing-first lens to make strides toward long-term stability for the residents of Chester County.
Hunger, Homelessness and the Housing-First Approach
Hunger and homelessness are deeply connected. According to the Urban Institute, food insecurity rates have been rising since 2022, and 52.2% of lower-income households (those below 200% of the federal poverty level) report food insecurity, up from previous years. Individuals experiencing homelessness often fall into this low-income household category.
The housing-first approach suggests that securing stable housing should be the primary goal when addressing hunger. Once individuals have stable housing, this becomes a foundation for addressing other challenges. With permanent shelter, individuals and families can more easily access community resources, job opportunities and social services that help combat food insecurity.
The State of Homelessness in Chester County
Thanks to the work of our network of partners, Chester County continues to see a steady decrease in the number of people entering participating emergency shelters in our community over the past five years, from 1,259 in 2019 to 741 in 2023 (a 41% decrease). In addition, the County has seen a decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time, from 694 in 2022 to 529 in 2023 (a 24% decrease). Read more about the state of homelessness in our county in our Chester County 2024 Continuum of Care System Performance Data Report or the 2024 Point-in-Time Count.
However, there is still work to be done to eliminate homelessness in our community and inequities are still apparent – 11% of people experiencing homelessness have been identified as potentially chronically homeless, and people of color make up 62% of those experiencing homelessness in our community.
National Overview of Hunger and Housing Solutions
The challenges of hunger and homelessness are not limited to Chester County — they are part of a nationwide crisis. According to the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) 2024 Report by United Way, 41% of households in Pennsylvania were below the ALICE threshold in 2022. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to meet basic living costs, often having to make impossible choices like paying rent or buying food. Rising costs and reduced pandemic assistance have made it more difficult for families to keep up with essential expenses.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) Out of Reach 2024 Report also underscores the gap between wages and the cost of basic housing across the country, highlighting that renters with low incomes are finding it increasingly challenging to afford even modest rental homes. For example, in Chester County, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,737 per month. To afford this without spending more than 30% of their income, a household would need to earn approximately $33.40 per hour — much higher than the minimum wage. Exploring the report reveals that this challenge is mirrored in many communities nationwide.
The ALICE and NLIHC data demonstrate that the housing-first model is crucial for overcoming food insecurity nationwide, and affordable housing is a necessary first step toward security in all other aspects of an individual’s life. Stable housing not only provides shelter but also a foundation for families to achieve greater financial stability, access education, maintain employment, and address other critical needs.
How You Can Help
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is a meaningful time to take action to help those in need. CCPEH plays a vital role in addressing both hunger and homelessness. By prioritizing permanent housing and providing essential services, CCPEH helps residents move from temporary shelters to stable homes. Our housing-first model ensures that individuals have the support they need to remain housed long-term. The data continues to show that housing-first works in helping individuals and families remain housed. 91% of people who exited from a program to permanent housing did not return to homelessness two years later. Of those individuals who were enrolled in permanent housing programs, 97% remained in permanent supportive housing or exited to permanent housing.
Community donations are critical to maintaining these programs and ensuring they continue to support those most vulnerable. Whether by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness, every contribution helps. This Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, consider supporting the CCPEH Partnership fund. Contributions go directly toward programs that provide stable housing, food security and a brighter future for those in need.