ICYMI: April Partnership Highlights
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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 wonβt want to miss! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our events page.
During the National Month of Hope, weβre sharing "Steveβs" story.
"Steve,β 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 stabilityβstep by step, resource by resourceβuntil βSteveβ 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. π Add your voice to the movementβvisit our advocacy page today: endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy
Climate change and housing stability are more connected than many realize. π
For people experiencing homelessness, extreme weather and displacement can create immediate health risks and deepen existing inequities.
Building strong homelessness response systems doesnβt 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. π‘
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
π June 2, 2026
π 10:00 β 11:30 AM
π In-Person & Virtual
ποΈ 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