News & Resources
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
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.
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.
2023 PHARE Funding Awarded to Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness Partner Organizations
The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding. Read this blog post to learn more about how PHARE helps address the housing affordability crisis, and how you can help increase the funding cap for this vital program.
In the ongoing battle against the affordable housing crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of organizations that work tirelessly towards creating safe and affordable homes for individuals and families in need.
The Partnership is excited to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed partner organizations for their well-deserved recognition and success in being awarded the 2023 Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) funding:
Home of the Sparrow: Apartment Subleases & Trauma-Informed Case Management for Justice-Involved Women
Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children: Chester County Eviction Prevention Court (EPC); NIA House
Domestic Violence Center of Chester County: Homelessness Prevention for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence; Renovations to Housing for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors
Kennett Area Community Service: Homelessness Prevention in Southern Chester County
Housing Partnership of Chester County: Housing Counseling Program
Housing Authority of the County of Chester: Housing Locator Program
W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center, Inc.: Individualized Intensive Case Management and Homelessness Prevention
Human Services, Inc.: Project Rehabilitation
Chester County Department of Community Development: Street Outreach and Data Team Reinforcement Efforts
Open Hearth, Inc.: Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordination
the Potential of PHARE Funding
In our communities, access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental necessity that forms the bedrock of stable and vibrant neighborhoods. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania continues to grapple with a shortage of affordable housing options, leaving countless individuals and families without a place to call home.
One essential tool that has proven effective in addressing this crisis is the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. However, the current funding cap imposed on PHARE significantly limits its impact. It is crucial for us to raise awareness about the urgent need to raise the PHARE funding cap and harness the full potential of this invaluable resource. Let's delve into the importance of PHARE and the benefits of raising the funding cap.
Understanding The PHARE Cap
The Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program was established to address the shortage of affordable housing in the state. It provides vital funding to support various initiatives, including rental and down payment assistance, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood revitalization. PHARE grants enable local communities, nonprofits, and developers to create affordable housing opportunities and improve the quality of life for countless Pennsylvanians.
While PHARE has made significant strides in combating the housing crisis, its impact remains constrained due to the funding cap imposed on the program. The current cap limits the allocation of funds to a mere $25 million annually. Given the magnitude of the housing challenges faced by the state, this cap restricts the program's potential to create lasting change. As demand for affordable housing continues to grow, raising the PHARE funding cap becomes imperative.
Why Raise the Funding Cap?
Increased Availability of Affordable Housing: Raising the funding cap would enable PHARE to support a greater number of affordable housing projects, helping to alleviate the severe shortage experienced by individuals and families across Pennsylvania. More funds mean more homes and more opportunities for those in need.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic Growth: Affordable housing is a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization and economic growth. By raising the funding cap, PHARE can invest in initiatives that not only provide affordable homes but also improve infrastructure, create jobs, and enhance the overall livability of communities.
Strengthening Local Communities: PHARE funds are distributed to local communities, nonprofits, and developers who understand the unique housing challenges of their regions. By raising the funding cap, we empower these entities to address specific needs, foster partnerships, and implement innovative solutions tailored to their communities' requirements.
Long-term Cost Savings: Investing in affordable housing now can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run. Stable housing reduces the strain on emergency shelters, hospitals, and other public services, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.
How Can You Make a Difference?
Share this blog post, along with the PHARE Raise the Cap fact sheet (available at https://housingalliancepa.org/resources/phare-raise-the-cap-fact-sheet/), through social media, email, or community newsletters. Encourage others to educate themselves about the importance of raising the PHARE funding cap. You can also engage with organizations dedicated to affordable housing advocacy, such as the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania (https://housingalliancepa.org/). By joining these groups, you can amplify your impact and contribute to a statewide movement for change.
Housing and Homes
People’s homes can have a major impact on their health and well-being. Healthy People 2030 focuses on reducing health and safety risks in homes.
The Relationship Between Poverty and Homelessness Among Older Adults
Poverty affects older adults differently than other groups because they are more vulnerable to economic instability when their physical health, cognitive abilities, and social networks decline. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how poverty and homelessness are connected for older adults.
Income and Housing Affordability
Low-income households are typically unemployed or underemployed due to a number of factors, such as a challenging labor market; limited education; a gap in work history; a criminal record; unreliable transportation or unstable housing; poor health or a disability. For those who are low-income but employed, wages have been stagnant and have not kept pace with expensive housing costs. The National Alliance to End Homelessness outlines how income and housing affordability are connected.
Priced Out: The State of Housing in America
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute in Washington, D.C., presents the pressing housing affordability crisis affecting people with the lowest incomes and recommend policies to move toward the goal of ensuring everyone in this country is able to afford safe, stable housing.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness
The nation is currently facing one of the most severe affordable housing crises in history. Not surprisingly, those living in poverty are the most significantly affected. The National Alliance to End Homelessness provides an overview of why housing affordability and homelessness are interconnected.
Voting Toolkit and Resources for Homeless Service Providers in Pennsylvania
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is supporting the Every One Votes initiative by sharing a compilation of tools and resources with our housing solution partners providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness so that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources they need to register to vote and show up to vote during elections.
Adapted from the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ Every One Votes Toolkit
Every One Votes is an initiative of the National Alliance to End Homelessness to ensure that people who are experiencing homelessness are registered to vote and able to exercise their right to vote.
The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness is supporting the Every One Votes initiative by sharing a compilation of tools and resources with our housing solution partners providing direct services to people experiencing homelessness so that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources they need to register to vote and show up to vote during elections.
Every One Votes Pennsylvania
We’ve used the Every One Votes Toolkit as a guide to compile the following information and resources and to answer the most frequently asked questions about voting in Pennsylvania without a home address.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE?
A United States citizen at least 30 days before the next election.
A resident of Pennsylvania and your election district for at least 30 days before the next election.
Those at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election.
Those who are registered to vote by the state’s registration deadline.
Even if you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or are in pretrial detention you may be able to vote in Pennsylvania. Felons lose their voting rights only while incarcerated in Pennsylvania, and receive automatic restoration upon release. Learn more about felon voting rights.
ADDRESS REQUIREMENTS
All 50 states require a physical address and mailing address.
The purpose of providing a place of residence is to ensure the person is registering to vote in the proper district and to assign the voter a polling place.
A traditional dwelling or physical residence is not required, and one may list the place one considers their residence, or where they sleep at night, which can include a shelter, bench in the park, or even under a freeway.
Pennsylvania has a check box on the voter registration form for those who do not have a street address or permanent residence and allows voters to draw a map or diagram of where they live.
In most states, a mailing address is required in order for the jurisdiction to send voter ID and election-related materials. However, this address does not have to be the voter’s actual residence. For clients, this can include any location willing to accept the mail on the client’s behalf, including shelters, or a provider’s place of business.
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Pennsylvania’s voter registration form asks for your Pennsylvania driver’s license or PennDOT ID number for those under age 18, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The form also has a check box for those who do not have a PA driver's license, PennDOT ID card or a Social Security number.
Pennsylvania does not require voters to present an ID to vote, unless it’s the first time voting. When voting at a polling place for the first time, you must show proof of identification, either with photo or not. Learn more about the types of ID you can show.
If your client needs help to get identification, including obtaining underlying documents like birth certificates, and pro bono legal help go to VoteRiders.org
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & FORMS
Registration Deadlines and Election Dates in Pennsylvania
Last day to register to vote: October 24, 2022
Last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot: November 1, 2022
General Election: November 8, 2022
Polls are open on election day from 7 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Official Election Websites, Forms, and Contacts
More election information at: http://www.votesPA.com
Online voter registration available at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
Mail-in voter registration forms available at: https://www.votespa.com/Resources/Pages/Resource-Center.aspx
Find your local election office contact information at: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/vote/eoddomestic.htm
HOW TO VOTE
In Person
Look up your voting site and hours at: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx
Voting sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by the closing time then you have the right to vote.
By Mail/Absentee Ballot
In Pennsylvania, you have two options for mail ballots.
Mail-in ballot – Any qualified voter may apply for a mail-in ballot. You may simply request this ballot without a reason.
Absentee ballot – If you plan to be out of the municipality on election day or if you have a disability or illness that prevents you from going to your polling place on election day, you can request this ballot type, which still requires you to list a reason for your ballot.
Learn more about Pennsylvania mail-in and absentee ballots.
First-Time Voters
If you are voting in Pennsylvania for the first time or if you are voting at a new polling place, learn what you need to prepare in advance. Learn more about Pennsylvania voter ID requirements and rules.
Accessible Voting
Voters with a disability may get help voting. See more options for accessible voting or request an accessible remote ballot.
Completed ballots must be received by your county election office before 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
MORE RESOURCES
Chester County Voters Services: https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services
Voter Registration Script: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Script-Voter-Registration-2020-copy.pdf
Am I Registered to Vote Search Tool: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
Permissible Election Activities Checklist: https://www.nonprofitvote.org/resource/staying-nonpartisan-permissible-election-activities-checklist-2/
Voting Guide for College Students: https://www.campusvoteproject.org/stateguides/pennsylvania
Every One Votes Social Media Toolkit
Voter Registration
Get Out the Vote
Stop Keeping Tenants Out in the Cold Because of the Source of Their Income
Shriver Center on Poverty Law shares how source of income discrimination disproportionately affects people of color, women, and people with disabilities.
Housing and Health: A Roadmap for the Future
In this report, the American Hospital Association shares data on the connection between health and housing stability. To be physically and mentally healthy, individuals need a safe, stable place to sleep at night. Housing-insecure individuals have worse health status and outcomes than those in stable housing.
Students Experiencing Homelessness in Pennsylvania: New Evidence of Under-Identification and Inequity
Pennsylvania schools have a history of under-identification. In this brief, Research for Action provides some evidence of improvement in identification of students experiencing homelessness in PA; however, rates vary by school community and Pennsylvania overall ranks only 36th out of 50 states in identification of students experiencing homelessness per school-aged children in poverty.
50 Obstacles to Leaving
The National Domestic Violence Hotline adapted Sarah M. Buel’s “Fifty Obstacles to Leaving, a.k.a., Why Abuse Victims Stay” outlining 50 different reasons why abuse victims stay that she has encountered throughout her 20+ years of work in the domestic violence field.
Justice at Work’s Guidance for the Safety of Essential Workers: Pennsylvania Department of Health Order of April 15, 2020
Are you still working because your workplace is an "essential" business? If so, you are entitled to health and safety protections at work. Employers must take certain actions to ensure the health and safety of its employees.
Are you still working because your workplace is an "essential" business? If so, you are entitled to health and safety protections at work. Employers must take certain actions to ensure the health and safety of its employees, including:
Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, in accordance with CDC guidance.
If the business finds out it has been exposed to an individual with Covid-19, it must:
Close off the area where the sick employee has been working
Ventilate the area for 24 hours before beginning to clean it
Identify employees who were in close contact with the sick individual
Test employee’s temperatures when they begin their shift
Employees with symptoms should stay home from work
Employee work schedule changes
Stagger employees’ shift start and end times so that they are not in groups
Stagger employees’ break times so that they are not taking breaks in large groups
• Provide enough space for social distancing at work
Provide enough space for employees to have breaks and meals while remaining at least 6 feet apart from one another
Limit the number of employees in common areas
Conduct meetings virtually when possible
Do not require meetings of more than 10 people or within 6 feet of each other
Provide its employees with access to frequent hand washing with soap and water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and protective masks to be worn at all times
Businesses open to the public must also:
Limit the number of customers and employees in the building at one time
Install shields or barriers in check-out areas to separate cashiers from customers
Require all customers to wear a mask in the building (with limited exceptions)
If you have questions about this guidance or believe your employer is not following it, contact Justice at Work at 215-733-0878. All calls are confidential.
Chester County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program
The Emergency Utility and Rental Assistance program serves Chester County residents and can only be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for "Housing Crisis."
Funding will serve individuals and families that are obligated to pay rent and meet three criteria.
Read more about the Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program
How to File for Unemployment Compensation During Coronavirus
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
How to Access Benefits During Coronavirus: SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF & LIHEAP
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
If you lost your job or your hours were cut because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should apply for unemployment compensation at: https://www.uc.pa.gov, or call the statewide toll-free number: 888-313-7284.
National Health Care for the Homeless Homelessness & Health: Whats the Connection?
People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.
People who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Homelessness can take many forms, with people living on the streets, in encampments or shelters, in transitional housing programs, or doubled up with family and friends. While the federal government reports 1.5 million people a year experience homelessness, other estimates find up to twice this number of people are actually without housing in any given year. The connection between housing and homelessness is generally intuitive, but the strong link between health and homelessness is often overlooked. This fact sheet outlines how health and homelessness are intertwined—and why housing is health care.
Integrate Health Care
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness outlines the importance of integrated health care for people experiencing homelessness, as well as strategies for integration and better access to care.
Know Your Responsibilities: Landlord Basics
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended in 1988, is known as the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in any type of housing related transaction on the basis of: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, National Origin, Disability, or Familial Status (presence of minor children in a household, pregnant women or anyone securing legal custody of a child).
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended in 1988, is known as the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in any type of housing related transaction on the basis of: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, National Origin, Disability, or Familial Status (presence of minor children in a household, pregnant women or anyone securing legal custody of a child).