ICYMI: July Partnership Highlights
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July was a reminder that lasting progress is built one partnership, one milestone, and one person at a time.
Throughout the month, we celebrated the collaboration that makes housing stability possible across Chester County. We recognized the independence that begins with a safe place to call home while highlighting the organizations, community leaders, and coordinated systems working together to prevent and end homelessness. Together, this newsletter reflects the collective effort behind meaningful, lasting change.
A stable home opens doors for independence. 🔑
Home is where so many Fourth of July memories are made like backyard barbecues and time spent with family and friends.
Beyond those moments, a safe, stable home creates the foundation for people to pursue employment, care for their families, improve their health, and build the future they envision.
This Independence Day, we're grateful for everyone working to make housing stability possible across Chester County.
Real progress starts with a shared commitment to solutions.
✨This quote comes from the Chester County Commissioners, who reflect on the momentum that has been created through collaboration, data-driven decision making, and investments in housing stability.
Achieving Functional Zero is an important milestone, but it is also a reminder that lasting progress requires continued partnership and commitment.
What does the pathway to permanent housing look like?
In 2025:
➡️1,047 households were referred to Street Outreach
➡️648 individuals across 486 households received emergency housing
➡️1,096 households were discussed during Case Conferencing by 101 staff members representing 33 providers
➡️382 individuals exited homelessness and moved into permanent housing
These numbers highlight the coordinated efforts happening every day across Chester County to connect people with housing, services, and support.
🔗 Learn more in the Chester County Department of Community Development's 2025 Year in Review, available at www.chesco.org/204/Community-Development
Big change rarely comes from one big idea.
🧩 This reflection comes from LoriAnn Girvan, Principal of Strategy and Impact at Community Solutions, the organization behind the Built for Zero movement.
Her perspective reminds us that lasting progress is built through persistence, learning, and continuous improvement—not quick fixes. Chester County's Functional Zero achievement reflects years of dedication.
People often ask what they can do to support safe, stable housing in our community.
One meaningful way is to volunteer with, donate to, or support one of our Housing Solution Partners.
🤝Chester County's recent achievements—including reaching functional zero chronic homelessness, reducing overall homelessness, and decreasing first-time homelessness—would not have been possible without the dedication these organizations.
Together, they provide the services, housing, and support that help our neighbors find a safe, stable homes.
🔗 Find a partner and get involved today at endhomelessnesschesco.org/partners-directory
It takes an entire community to solve homelessness.
This quote features Dolores Colligan, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, who highlights the unique network of partners working together throughout Chester County.
🤝 From nonprofits and municipalities to housing providers, faith communities, and advocates, this milestone reflects the strength of cross-sector collaboration.
💡Did you know ending and preventing homelessness takes more than housing providers?
It takes businesses, faith communities, nonprofits, philanthropies, and more working together toward a shared goal.
Our Organization Partners play a vital role in creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through collaboration, advocacy, resources, and community support, they help make lasting progress possible.
Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about our Organization Partners and join us in building a Chester County where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.
🔗 Learn more at endhomelessnesschesco.org/partner-organizations
Every partner has a role to play in ending homelessness.
⭐ This reflection comes from Lieutenant Rodger Ollis of the Coatesville Police Department, whose perspective highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors.
Achieving Functional Zero required service providers, local government, law enforcement, healthcare organizations, housing partners, and community members working toward a common goal.
Resources
Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing, National Low Income Housing Coalition
“21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” Becomes Law! New NLIHC Resource Available, National Low Income Housing Coalition