Home on the Mind: The Relationship Between Mental Health and Housing

In our ongoing effort to tackle homelessness in Chester County, grasping the connection between mental health and homelessness is crucial for fostering a community where every individual can thrive.

Dispelling Myths and Embracing Reality

The relationship between mental health and homelessness is often misunderstood, leading to stigma and misconceptions. As Dr. Deborah K. Padgett, a Professor at New York University, highlights, the journey from mental health challenges to homelessness is often paved with systemic inadequacies, including the scarcity of community support for those with serious mental illness. Individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness represent a minority – according to one Point-In-Time count in 2022, only 21% of those experiencing homelessness reported having a serious mental illness. However, the tie between mental illness and homelessness looms large in public perceptions.

Hope in Housing First

In the realm of homelessness and mental health, housing stands as a beacon of stability amidst turbulent waters. Housing is more than just a roof over one's head; it's a sanctuary where individuals can reclaim their dignity, autonomy, and sense of belonging. The Housing First approach, championed by experts like Padgett, offers a transformative paradigm shift where the immediacy of secure housing is coupled with the tailored scaffolding of support services. In other words, Housing First recognizes that stable housing is not a reward for recovery, but rather a prerequisite for it.

The Challenge of Stigma

One prevalent barrier faced by communities is the "Not In My Backyard" or NIMBY mentality, hindering efforts to address mental health and homelessness. Overcoming stigma, supporting treatment adherence, and ensuring the availability of peer support services are among the challenges we must confront. Yet, with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and initiatives like the Early Psychosis Intervention Network, communities are taking strides towards inclusivity and support.

Voices of Resilience

Another important consideration is the role of individuals with lived experience. Peer support services provided by those who have walked similar paths can be a beacon of hope for those navigating mental health challenges during and following homelessness. For example, Peer Recovery Support Specialists (PSPs) engage their peers and assist them in managing recovery efforts, and are empowered to seek support that meet their peers’ specific needs.. By amplifying their voices and experiences, we not only dismantle stereotypes but also pave the way for a more compassionate and understanding society.

Additional Peer Support Resources

• Peer Supports and Social Determinants of Health | Peers for Progress

• Peer Support Workers for those in Recovery | SAMHSA

• Value of Peers Infographics: Peer Support | SAMHSA

How You Can Help

As we reflect on the intertwined nature of mental health and homelessness, it's clear that solutions require a collective effort rooted in empathy and driven by a shared commitment to uplift every member of our community. Please consider supporting people with lived experience today by donating to the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness’ Lived Experience Advisory Board.

Empowering Homeless Individuals with Chesco Connect

Reliable transportation is a lifeline for individuals without stable housing, enabling them to access vital resources and navigate service systems effectively. As such, we wanted to make sure that our Partners know about Chesco Connect, Chester County's community transit program dedicated to providing essential transportation services for all residents, including those experiencing homelessness.

Who Can Ride

Chesco Connect serves a diverse range of individuals within Chester County, including those experiencing homelessness:

1.    Seniors: Adults aged 65 and older can access reduced-rate transportation through the Senior Shared Ride Program, ensuring they can attend appointments and engage in community activities.

2.    Persons with Disabilities: Individuals aged 18-64 with disabilities recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can qualify for reduced-rate transportation through the Persons with Disabilities Program (PwD), enhancing their independence and mobility.

3.    Medical Assistance Recipients: Those with a current Medical Assistance card may be eligible for transportation services to medical appointments and pharmacies through the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), ensuring they receive the care they need.

4.    General Public: For those who don't qualify for the above programs, Chesco Connect still offers transportation services at full fare.

How To Ride

1.    Register: Call 610-344-5545 or visit PennDOT’s Find My Ride website to register for transportation services and determine eligibility for discounted rates, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness can access the support they need.

2.    Reserve: Schedule rides by calling 610-344-5545 at least one business day in advance before 1:00 PM, providing individuals experiencing homelessness with reliable transportation to critical appointments and services.

3.    Cancel: If plans change, individuals can cancel rides by calling 610-344-5545 or using the self-service portal, ensuring that transportation resources are utilized effectively.

Service Hours and Locations

Chesco Connect operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with limited Saturday service for life-sustaining trips and grocery shopping as of September 2023. Out-of-county service is available for medical appointments, with specific days allocated for different counties.

Fares

Fares vary depending on eligibility, with discounted rates available for seniors, persons with disabilities, and medical assistance recipients. For individuals experiencing homelessness, Chesco Connect offers vital transportation services at full fare, ensuring equitable access to mobility solutions.

For detailed fare information and to explore eligibility for discounted programs, call 610-344-5545.

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Additional Resources

MATP Brochure: For information in both English and Spanish about the Medical Assistance Transportation Program, individuals can access brochures online or request copies through Chesco Connect's office.

English Brochure | Spanish Brochure

Chesco Connect User Guide & Application: To further support individuals experiencing homelessness in navigating transportation services, Chesco Connect provides user guides and applications online or by request.

English User Guide & Application

Permanent Supportive Housing Policies

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) supports Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs that combine affordable housing units with voluntary supportive services. These services aim to help people with disabilities, chronic homelessness, or other vulnerabilities achieve housing stability. HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Program-funded grant recipients and subrecipients must maintain complete, up-to-date written records and procedures for each CoC Program funded project. These policies prioritize providing stable housing options with supportive services tailored to individual needs.

Chester County organizations to host ‘poverty simulation’

Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness are hosting a role-playing event where community members “experience” the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. It’s called a “poverty simulation.”

Navigating the Intersection: Homelessness, Migration and Community Support

In recent years, the issue of homelessness in the United States has become increasingly entwined with the complex dynamics of migration, particularly evident in largely democratic metro areas grappling with the consequences of the ongoing migrant crisis. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress paints a concerning picture: approximately 653,100 people experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023, marking a troubling 12% increase from the previous year and hitting a record level of homelessness across the country. However, to understand the depth of this issue, we must examine the connection between homelessness and migration trends. Metro areas across the United States – but particularly cities defined as sanctuary cities such as Chicago, Denver and New York – have become destinations for migrants seeking refuge and asylum. These cities are grappling with the challenges of welcoming incoming migrant populations, finding funding and resources to help them when the migrants arrive, and managing the escalating issue of homelessness. The relocation of migrants, often without adequate preparation or resources, has strained local services and has exacerbated the already pressing issue of homelessness.

Within these communities, the link between homelessness and migration is clear. Homelessness among migrants isn't just a statistic — it's a harsh reality, often filled with vulnerability and marginalization. The housing-first philosophy, grounded in the belief that stable housing is essential for individuals to address other life challenges, underscores the importance of providing immediate shelter and support to migrants facing homelessness. However, limited access to federal benefits and resources leaves cities struggling to meet the basic needs of newly arrived individuals and families. As local governments strive to navigate this crisis, there is a pressing need for coordinated efforts at both federal and local levels to address the root causes of homelessness exacerbated by migration and to provide sustainable solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.

Experiences of Homelessness among Migrants 

The experiences of migrants and asylum seekers within the homeless service system underscore the critical need for culturally competent and inclusive support mechanisms. It's crucial to note that many migrants are "doubled up", meaning they are temporarily staying with others due to economic hardship and/or housing instability, and do not meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s federal definition of homelessness despite being considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act. Consequently, they are often excluded from accessing essential HUD-funded programs, exacerbating their housing instability and limiting their access to vital resources. Systemic racism and discrimination further compound the challenges faced by these vulnerable populations, leading to barriers in accessing housing and emergency shelters. Many migrants report feeling marginalized due to factors such as ethnicity, language barriers and temporary resident status, exacerbating their housing instability and perpetuating mental health concerns stemming from past trauma.

Navigating the web of available services presents a hurdle for refugees and migrants, particularly for those with undocumented status. Limited awareness of support services, coupled with language barriers, can impede their ability to access essential resources and further exacerbate feelings of isolation and vulnerability. Inadequate financial support and restrictions tied to immigration status can also strain their ability to secure stable housing and meet basic needs. Despite these challenges, the resilience of migrant communities continues to shine through as they adopt innovative strategies, such as seeking out advocates and leading efforts that help them navigate the complexities of homelessness and forge a path toward stability and belonging.

How You Can Help

To support local and state-wide organizations serving migrants, there are several ways to get involved:

• LCH Health & Community Services: Learn about their initiatives and consider volunteering or donating to support their efforts. Visit the LCH Heath & Community Services website.

• Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square: Support this organization's mission to empower and uplift the Latino community. Find out how you can contribute to Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square. 

• The Garage Community and Youth Center: Get involved in mentoring and supporting youth in the community. Explore volunteer opportunities at the Garage Community and Youth Center website.

• Alianzas de Phoenixville: Join efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for Latino migrants. Discover ways to participate at the Alianzas de Phoenixville website.

• Volunteer English Program: Volunteer your time to help English language learners thrive in their new environment. Learn more about volunteering opportunities at the Volunteer English Program.

• Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society: Volunteer with an organization dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees in their journey to a better life. Learn more about volunteering at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

• Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness: Join our efforts to end homelessness and see where you can make a difference. Become a partner today and join the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness. 

Additionally, please mark your calendars for our second annual Migrant Renters Rights Forum. The event takes place on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Borough Municipal Building in Kennett Square, and this event aims to provide valuable information and resources for supporting migrant renters' rights. All information will be presented in Spanish, with activities for children and volunteer interpreters available for participants. 

Weathering Homelessness: How the Environment Impacts Housing Instability

As spring unfolds in Chester County, the warmer season and longer days bring with them hope for a better future where no one in Chester County experiences cold, dark nights without a home. This April, as we observe National Fair Housing Month, we are spotlighting the environmental determinants that contribute to homelessness. Our unhoused neighbors are often hidden victims, vulnerable to both discrimination in housing and the consequences of our changing environment.

Chester County’s Flooding Crises

Numerous flooding disasters in recent years highlight the need for more equitable housing support systems​​ in Chester County.

• In July 2023, powerful storms led to significant flooding, damaging infrastructure, prompting at least 16 water rescues and leading to many road closures.

• In September 2021, Hurricane Ida brought catastrophic flooding and tornados to the county, causing widespread damage, power outages, boat rescues, and a necessity for community-wide recovery efforts. More than 100 families were immediately displaced and sought emergency shelter. In the weeks following the hurricane, state emergency officials assessed the damage, and determined that more than 1,700 homes or buildings were damaged and nearly 70 homes or buildings were destroyed.

• In June 2021, 50% of Coatesville went underwater, with up to six feet of water covering some lower areas and seven inches of rain falling in just one hour. A mudslide halted all traffic on Route 82. Coatesville identified ten houses as permanently unsafe and issued a state of emergency due to the extreme conditions.

Coatesville officials have pursued proactive measures against flooding, including applications for grants to improve stormwater infrastructure. However, these infrastructure improvements are costly and may take years – years that we don’t have while our neighbors remain unhoused. 

Navigating Extreme Weather Shifts

Code Blue is activated in Chester County for severe winter weather, offering emergency shelters to those at risk, while Code Red responds to excessive heat, providing cooling stations and resources to prevent heat-related illnesses. Increased lengths of Code Blue and Code Red periods in recent years have stretched the resources of our shelters and support services, putting a strain on our community's ability to provide consistent, reliable support to those most vulnerable to extreme weather.

Fire Emergencies and Their AftermatH

In September 2023, Oxford faced a devastating fire displacing 90 people and 25 families. An apartment fire in 2021 destroyed 45 homes and displaced 50 families. These fire emergencies demonstrate the urgent need for efficient systems to prevent homelessness following such catastrophes. These fires not only cause immediate harm and impact mental health and well-being but also potentially long-term displacement – especially when you consider housing discrimination and unfair housing policies that may impact our neighbors’ ability to find new housing after the fire. 

Agriculture and Food Inaccessibility

Changing weather patterns have significant effects on agriculture and food supply, leading to soil degradation, water scarcity and nutrient depletion. As our agricultural systems become less productive, these conditions contribute to higher food prices and food accessibility issues. According to surveys by Action Against Hunger, 78% of Americans say groceries are becoming harder to afford, and 72% believe that our changing weather patterns are contributing to rising food prices. Our most marginalized community members, including those at risk of homelessness, are more vulnerable to the risk of food insecurity.

How You Can Help

Extreme weather, fires, and food inaccessibility not only exacerbate homelessness but also intensify housing discrimination, as those already marginalized face greater risks and fewer recovery resources. This April, in honor of National Fair Housing Month, we encourage our community members to support initiatives aimed at making housing discrimination unlawful while also advocating for comprehensive planning to address weather impacts, infrastructure resilience, and investment in emergency shelters and community recovery efforts in the face of extreme weather. 

We all play a role in supporting our neighbors, building a stronger community, and joining together to support housing equity. Learn more about how you can contribute to our efforts by visiting our Partner With Us page. Together, we can create a future where everyone in Chester County has a safe place to call home.

Chester County Department of Community Development Receives $2 Million Federal Grant to Combat Homelessness

DelVal Counties Offer Programs To Help Homeless People

Homeless Persons' Memorial Day 2023

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

• Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children

• Ann’s Heart

• The Chester County Department of Community Development

• First Presbyterian Church

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.

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:

1. Investing in New Affordable Housing: We need to build more affordable housing to meet the demand.

2. Preserving Existing Affordable Homes: Let's ensure that the affordable rental homes we already have stay that way.

3. Universal Rental Assistance: Bridging the income-rent gap with universal rental assistance can make housing affordable for everyone.

4. Emergency Assistance: When financial crises strike, emergency assistance can stabilize renters.

5. 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. 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

1. Housing is a human right.

2. Families and individuals experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act should receive housing first, regardless of any barriers to permanent housing stability.

3. Once housed, families and individuals exiting from homelessness should be provided supportive services to ensure their housing stability.

4. 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