News & Resources

Genesis Rubio 5/13/24 Genesis Rubio 5/13/24

What One Faith Community Is Doing to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis in Chester County

With a growing gap between housing costs and wages, the dream of living in Chester County is slipping away for many families and individuals. A West Chester faith community, Westminster Presbyterian Church, has been at the forefront of advocacy and change, making significant strides toward addressing the housing affordability crisis. The Home Team explains the problem and its impact, and has provided some resources to explore how we, as a community, can make housing attainable for all.

Community Partner Spotlight: Westminster Presbyterian Church

Westminster Presbyterian Church's Home Team was formed five years ago to work to end homelessness and promote affordable housing in our county. The Home Team explains the problem and its impact, and has provided some resources to explore how we, as a community, can make housing attainable for all.

The Home Team Addresses the Problem

The Home Team was first formed because the church recognized the significant disparity between the rising housing costs and the slower growth of wages in Chester County. The lack of reasonably priced housing prevents many in our workforce from living where they work. Data from the Chester County Planning Commision’s “Housing Report-2023” showed:

The 2023 the median sales price ($492,000) was the highest in Chester County history, even when adjusting for inflation.
As sales prices continue to rise, the number and percentage of lower price homes has decreased.
Only 462 homes sold for under $250,000 in 2023, down by 3.1% from 2022. A household earning 100% Area Median Income ($118,574) could afford a house at around $350,000, and only 23% (1,237) of home sales were under this price in 2023.

This imbalance has left many unable to afford to live near where they work, affecting our economy and the social fabric of our community.

Impact on the Community

The lack of affordable housing in Chester County affects many residents. As the Home Team began its work, the team reflected on how the housing crisis affects a broad spectrum of residents – it impacts homeless families relying on vouchers, young professionals starting their careers, and teachers who shape our children’s futures. It impacts essential workers – nurses, EMTs and retail employees – and the county’s growing senior population, which is projected to nearly double by 2045. These are the individuals who make our local economy prosper, yet they are becoming increasingly unable to afford to live in our county.

Barriers to Solutions

The Home Team also realized that several hurdles stand in the way of resolving the affordable housing crisis. Outdated development processes and zoning ordinances increase housing costs. Obtaining funding for affordable housing is a complicated and time-consuming process; it can be easier for developers to build high-end housing instead. There’s also resistance from a vocal minority who oppose changes, further slowing down the creation of affordable housing.

The Home Team’s Call-to-Action

These challenges, however, are not insurmountable – you can help! By working together, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Here are some ideas and resources for advocating for affordable housing in Chester County.

Advocate: Speak [RH3] up in municipal meetings, and let your voice be heard in favor of policy changes that promote affordable housing. The Home Team has created an Advocacy Talking Points document which you can use to aid in this effort.
Community Involvement: Participate in or support local housing initiatives that are working on these issues. Search the Chester County Authorities, Boards and Commissions webpage to become involved.
Donate: Support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, knowing that your contributions support our mission to create a community where everyone can afford to live.
Educate Yourself and Others: The Home Team developed this video on the housing crisis and advocacy. They have also developed a 20-minute presentation and presentation talking points that you can use to educate others. In addition, here are two short videos describing a successful workforce housing project, Pinckney Hill Commons in West Chester Borough. This video tells a tenant’s story. This one tells the developer’s and Borough’s story. Make your vote count for affordable housing by researching candidates for office and learning more about their policies on housing.
Volunteer and Organize: The Home Team are active volunteers promoting housing affordability. Volunteer for community organizations, faith-based organizations and nonprofits that support helping those in need, and help spread awareness about the need for affordable housing. The Chester County Community Resource Guide has a list of organizations and their contact information.

Change is Possible

The efforts you see here exemplify how individual actions can ignite community-wide change. By following the Home Team’s lead, we can collectively tackle the housing affordability crisis in Chester County, ensuring it remains a thriving community for all. If you would like to become a champion in your own organization or if you have questions about the Home Team’s efforts at Westminster Presbyterian Church, please contact Burt Rothenberger at BFRothen@verizon.net or contact Ruth Simonson at RSimonson19@gmail.com.

DCD General 5/1/24 DCD General 5/1/24

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. Read on to learn more about how you can make a difference.

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

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.

Donate Today

Genesis Rubio 4/29/24 Genesis Rubio 4/29/24

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.

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

Robert Henry 4/26/24 Robert Henry 4/26/24

Permanent Supportive Housing Policies

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. Recipients must maintain and follow written intake procedures to comply with the. homeless definition in 24 CFR 578.3. CoC Program-funded PSH programs are also required to document a program participant’s status as chronically homeless as defined in 24 CFR 578.3 and in accordance with 24 CFR 578.103. The procedures must require documentation at intake of the evidence relied upon to establish and verify homeless status.

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.

Order Of Priority for Obtaining Evidence of Homelessness and/or At Risk of Homelessness

Definition of Disability

Financial Management

Lead Based Paint Documentation

DCD General 4/1/24 DCD General 4/1/24

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.

DCD General 4/1/24 DCD General 4/1/24

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.

Genesis Rubio 9/14/23 Genesis Rubio 9/14/23

Inactive Household By-Name List Exit Policy

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.

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.

Download the Full Policy

Genesis Rubio 9/14/23 Genesis Rubio 9/14/23

Moving Up and On Policy

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) and its partner providers are guided by the principles that:

Housing is a human right.
Families and individuals experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act should receive housing first, regardless of any barriers to permanent housing stability.
Once housed, families and individuals exiting from homelessness should be provided supportive services to ensure their housing stability.
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.

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) and its partner providers are guided by the principles that:

Housing is a human right.
Families and individuals experiencing homelessness as defined by the HEARTH Act should receive housing first, regardless of any barriers to permanent housing stability.
Once housed, families and individuals exiting from homelessness should be provided supportive services to ensure their housing stability.
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.

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

Download the Full Policy

Chester County Department of Community Development 7/26/23 Chester County Department of Community Development 7/26/23

Chester County 2023 Point-in-Time Count

On the evening of Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count. 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 end homelessness.

Homelessness in Chester County at one point in time.

On the evening of Wednesday, January 25 and early hours of Thursday, January 26, 2023 the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) facilitated the annual Point-in-Time Count.* 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 end homelessness.

Download the Report

436 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on January 25, 2023

Homelessness Over the Last 5 Years**

Race

Ethnicity

33% (or 144) individuals identify as female

37% (or 163) individuals in families with children

25% (or 109) children under age 18

35% (or 141) individuals in interim housing identify as veterans***

10% (or 42) individuals were identified as chronically homeless

29 people were sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.

Chester County point-in-time count map of unsheltered homelessness

Unsheltered Homelessness By Location

Coatesville: 5 individuals
Downingtown/Thorndale: 3 individuals
Kennett Square: 3 individuals
Malvern/Paoli/Exton: 2 individuals
Oxford: 5 individuals
Parkesburg/Atglen/Honey Brook: 4 individuals
Phoenixville: 2 individuals
West Chester: 5 individuals
Total Individuals, 29

407 people were living in a public or private temporary shelter, including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels.

Sheltered Homelessness by Type and Household

One county. One commitment. One vision to see our community housed.

Learn more about ending homelessness in Chester County.

Take action and connect with us on Facebook @ChescoPartnership

Become a partner and support, rent, or develop affordable housing

* 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.

** In 2021, Chester County did not conduct a comprehensive Point-in-Time Count due to COVID-19.

*** Veteran status of unsheltered individuals is unknown.