DCD General DCD General

Home is... Love

A safe, stable home is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation for well-being, connection, and opportunity. When communities work together to address homelessness with data-driven solutions, trauma-informed care, and housing-first approaches, we create lasting change. By ensuring everyone has a place to call home, we foster mental health, strengthen families, and build a future where housing is a right, not a privilege.

Home as a Community Solution

Homelessness is a complex issue, but data-driven, collaborative approaches can drive meaningful change. One such approach is championed by Rosanne Haggerty, the founding president of Community Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness. Haggerty’s initiatives, including real-time data tracking and breaking down bureaucratic barriers, have significantly reduced homelessness in numerous U.S. cities. Her work underscores the importance of treating homelessness as a public health emergency, coordinating resources effectively, and holding programs accountable for housing outcomes rather than temporary relief measures like shelter occupancy or meal distribution.

Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (CCPEH) is part of Built for Zero, a national movement led by Community Solutions. Built for Zero brings together over 100 communities committed to ending homelessness through data-driven strategies. These communities use real-time data to improve homeless response systems, aiming to make homelessness rare and brief.

Learn more about Built for Zero here:
https://community.solutions/communities/chester-county-pa/

Homes Foster Mental Health and Connection

A stable home is more than just a roof over one’s head—it is a foundation for mental well-being and strong family connections. Research highlights the deep psychological benefits of safe and secure housing. People living in stable homes report lower levels of stress and anxiety, greater self-worth, and a stronger sense of belonging. When neighborhoods invest in safe housing, they foster a culture of mutual support, where families and communities can thrive together.

Beyond personal benefits, safe housing is vital for strengthening social bonds. When individuals feel secure in their living environments, they are better equipped to engage in their communities, pursue education and career goals, and build healthier relationships. Investing in housing stability is, therefore, an investment in stronger, more resilient communities.

Read more about the psychological impact of safe housing: https://www.safehomesmovement.org/2024/01/02/the-psychological-impact-of-safe-housing/

Strengthening Families Through Housing Stability

Stable housing is a critical factor in a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Families experiencing housing instability—whether due to overcrowding, eviction, or frequent relocations—are at greater risk of child welfare involvement. Studies show that housing insecurity can increase stressors that lead to child maltreatment and delays in family reunification.

To address this issue, housing stability can be leveraged as a prevention strategy at multiple levels:

  • Primary Prevention: Ensuring access to affordable housing can help reduce the risk factors associated with child maltreatment before they arise.

  • Secondary Prevention: Targeted housing support can assist families at high risk of child welfare involvement due to poverty, health issues, or substance use challenges.

  • Tertiary Prevention: Stable housing is crucial for families involved in the child welfare system, aiding successful reunification and preventing re-entry into the system.

More on housing stability and child welfare:
https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/strengthening-families-through-housing-stability

Housing First as an Act of Collective Care

Housing First is not just a policy—it’s a philosophy rooted in dignity and community support. Lawrence Lincoln, a formerly unhoused individual, shares his perspective on homelessness as a public health crisis and the need for a whole-community approach. He emphasizes that solutions should not focus solely on housing availability but also on harm reduction, access to healthcare, and infrastructure improvements such as sanitation facilities and resource-sharing networks.

Programs that prioritize trauma-informed care, rehabilitation services, and workforce empowerment play a key role in helping individuals transition from homelessness to stability. By treating unhoused individuals with dignity and offering comprehensive support, we can foster a more inclusive and caring community.

Read Lawrence Lincoln’s insights:
https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/epdf/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01007

Conclusion

At its core, home is love—a space where people feel safe, connected, and valued. Addressing homelessness requires a collective effort that combines data-driven strategies, mental health support, child welfare initiatives, and community-based interventions. 

By working together, we can create a future where every individual has the stability and security of a home.

Join us in this mission.
Learn more about our work and how you can help:

https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/affordable-housing-advocacy

Read More
Resources DCD General Resources DCD General

Homelessness and Healthcare in Chester County

Homelessness itself is a serious health condition. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, people who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Individuals without stable housing are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders. An injury or illness can quickly turn into homelessness when you account for the loss of employment that comes with being ill, the unhealthy living conditions that exacerbate any health issues, and the lack of access to healthcare. 

A photo of a nurse in scrubs tying a facial mask onto her face in a hospital with the title of the blog featured in text overlay.

Homelessness itself is a serious health condition. According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, people who are homeless have higher rates of illness and die on average 12 years sooner than the general U.S. population. Individuals without stable housing are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders. An injury or illness can quickly turn into homelessness when you account for the loss of employment that comes with being ill, the unhealthy living conditions that exacerbate any health issues, and the lack of access to healthcare. 

From Injury to Homelessness
Illness and injuries are a major cause of homelessness. Initially, a health condition can lead to employment issues due to frequent absences, depletion of sick leave, and an inability to maintain a regular work schedule. This is particularly apparent in physically demanding, labor-intensive industries such as construction or manufacturing, where an injury may make it impossible to continue to work. The resulting job loss creates a vicious cycle: without income, paying for necessary healthcare becomes impossible, preventing recovery and reemployment.  Savings deplete quickly, and relying on family and friends for support is often a short-term solution, leading to housing instability or homelessness. 

The Impact of Unhealthy Living Conditions

The absence of essential resources like clean water and sanitation creates a vicious cycle where poor health both causes and results from homelessness. Living on the streets or in crowded shelters is extremely stressful, increasing exposure to communicable diseases, violence, and malnutrition. Homeless individuals have exposure to harsh elements such as extreme heat, rain, and snow, among other elements, making it impossible to recover from illness. Managing chronic diseases and healing from infections or injuries becomes incredibly challenging without a stable place to live, especially without access to regular medications or if medications are lost or stolen on the streets. These conditions underscore the urgent need for stable housing as a foundation for effective healthcare.

Barriers to Healthcare Due to Medical Costs

Many individuals face barriers such as high medical costs, transportation issues, and limited availability of services. Patients without housing are more likely to be admitted to hospitals several times for the same condition, and when admitted tend to stay 2.3 days longer. As a result, healthcare costs multiply for homeless individuals.  

What We’re Doing to Help

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness has supported partners in increasing the availability of affordable housing units and in offering various support services, including the Eviction Prevention Case Resolution program and emergency rental assistance. These programs aim to provide immediate relief and long-term stability for those at risk of homelessness. However, while the latest Point-In-Time Count shows an overall decrease in homelessness, the latest Continuum of Care System Performance Data highlights a concerning increase in the average length of stay in emergency by 61% from 103 days in 2022 to 128 days in 2023 due to continued inflation, the high cost of housing, fewer openings in the rapid rehousing programs, and fewer vouchers issued through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Crucial programs have also faced funding cuts, further straining the system.

How You Can Help

To support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness and make a tangible impact, please consider giving to the Partnership’s Fund. Your contributions help provide essential services and support to those in need.

Read More
Resources Genesis Rubio Resources Genesis Rubio

Unraveling the Threads: Race, Gender and Sexuality & Homelessness

Understanding the complexities of homelessness requires an exploration of the interconnected threads that shape the fabric of our lives. Social determinants of health, as defined by the American Medical Association, encompass the community-wide conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Among these determinants, race, gender, and sexuality play pivotal roles in shaping housing outcomes.

Understanding the complexities of homelessness requires an exploration of the interconnected threads that shape the fabric of our lives. Social determinants of health, as defined by the American Medical Association, encompass the community-wide conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Among these determinants, race, gender, and sexuality play pivotal roles in shaping housing outcomes.

African Americans and Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by homelessness, a consequence of historical and structural racism deeply embedded within societal systems. Despite comprising a smaller percentage of the general population, African Americans represent a significant majority of those experiencing homelessness, particularly among families with children. Similarly, the LGBTQ+ community faces heightened risks of homelessness, with studies indicating that LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as the general population to experience homelessness in their lifetime. Transgender individuals are especially vulnerable, with 8% experiencing homelessness within a single year. Moreover, LGBTQ+ youth often find themselves without stable housing after coming out to their families, contributing to the overrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals within the homeless population. 

In honor of Pride Month and Juneteenth, this month’s blog will focus on the interplay between race, gender, sexuality, and housing instability. Read on to learn more:

Race and Homelessness

Recent research has highlighted the link between race and homelessness in the United States. A comprehensive data analysis conducted over an 11-year period from 2007 to 2017, as outlined in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Disparities, reveals concerning trends: Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander individuals and families consistently faced a higher likelihood of experiencing homelessness compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. These findings underscore the persistent and escalating nature of racial disparities in homelessness, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to address systemic inequities.

Similarly, insights from "Homelessness Is a Housing and Racism Problem" by Bill Pitkin underscore the intricate relationship between housing market dynamics, structural racism, and homelessness. Despite popular misconceptions attributing homelessness to individual vulnerabilities such as addiction and mental health issues, research instead indicates that housing market challenges - exacerbated by historical legacies of racism - play a pivotal role in driving homelessness rates. While racial composition alone does not entirely explain regional disparities in homelessness levels, structural racism deeply embedded within housing and social welfare systems perpetuates racial inequalities, amplifying the risk of housing insecurity among communities of color.

As efforts to combat homelessness continue to evolve, a multifaceted approach that not only addresses immediate housing needs but also confronts the root causes of racial disparities is required to bring the vision of housing justice grounded in equity and inclusivity to reality.

Gender, Sexuality and Homelessness

Furthermore, understanding the connection between gender, sexuality, and homelessness sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youth, who are disproportionately represented among the homeless population. Discrimination, harassment, and a lack of support services contribute to their vulnerability, often leading to rejection by families and subsequent homelessness. 

Studies reveal alarming statistics: up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQIA+, and they are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers. These youth often face abuse and unsafe conditions in shelters, driving many to avoid them altogether. Discharge from foster care is a significant contributor to LGBTQIA+ youth homelessness, with studies showing high rates of homelessness post-discharge. Moreover, LGBTQIA+ homeless youth are more likely to engage in survival sex and face higher risks of victimization, mental health issues, and suicide attempts compared to their heterosexual peers. 

Recognizing these challenges, efforts to support LGBTQIA+ individuals experiencing homelessness include LGBTQIA+ cultural sensitivity training for service providers, LGBTQIA+ inclusive shelters, and initiatives for LGBTQIA+ specific housing. The commitment to addressing the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals facing homelessness extends beyond Pride Month, reflecting the need for a year-round commitment to cultural sensitivity and support.

Understanding the complex relationship between race, gender, sexuality, and homelessness underscores the need for action. As we mark Pride Month and Juneteenth, let’s move beyond reflection and take steps towards equity and justice by supporting policies that tackle systemic inequalities, backing initiatives offering culturally sensitive support, and elevating the voices of those most impacted. Together we can ensure everyone has a stable, safe place to call home. 

Further Reading & Resources

Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

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.

Read More
Chester County Department of Community Development Chester County Department of Community Development

Southeastern Pennsylvania Community Health Needs Assessment

A group of local hospitals and health systems collaborated on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Community Health Needs Assessment, with specific focus on Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties, to continue collaboration and provide opportunities to expand and improve upon the last assessment process. Participants recognize this assessment as an important part of how health systems, multi-sector partners, and communities work together to achieve meaningful and positive community change.

Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions

This report published in the National Library of Medicine addresses many of these issues in the context of public health and explore the public health implications and potential solutions to homelessness, focusing on contemporary and emerging research and innovative strategies, and highlighting best practices to address homelessness among key populations.

Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

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.

Read More
Resources National Health Care for the Homeless Resources National Health Care for the Homeless

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.

Read the fact sheet

Read More
Resources Chester County Department of Community Development Resources Chester County Department of Community Development

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.

Read More