WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has been awarded more than $2 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds, part of the fiscal year 2023 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards, are specifically designated for initiatives focused on ending homelessness. The award reflects the ongoing commitment of the DCD and its partner agencies, including the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, to rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Dolores Colligan, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, and Rob Henry, administrator for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, spoke with DVJournal. The county will spend about $3.5 million on the homeless problem this year. Last year, there were 436 homeless people in Chester County “on any given night,” said Henry. That includes 29 living outside. And 1,000 to 1,200 become “unhoused” over a year. Chester County also performs a one-night homeless count.

Politicians, well-wishers and dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ribbon cutting of the Pinckney Hill Commons housing development. New residents are moving in to 51 recently constructed affordable housing units at Pinckney Hill Commons, at East Market Street, on the grounds of the Melton Center. With limits set on both the minimum and maximum required income for middle income residents, the apartments are attracting nurses, retail workers and school workers.

Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, in partnership with several nonprofit community organizations, hosted a legislative gathering this week at the West Chester University Graduate Center. The goal of the gathering was to share voices heard during recently held housing focus groups, and to explore ways legislators and community groups can work together to ensure affordable and accessible housing is available to all residents of Chester County.

Chester County has committed to rehoming 150 households and adding 350 affordable housing units through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’ House America Initiative.

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County has taken a nosedive in 2022. The latest headcount shows a 23% decrease in homelessness over the past two years.

Chester County is again urgently asking property owners with homes for rent to open their doors to the 38 people from 17 households who are still living in a hotel six months after their homes were destroyed by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Many of the families have County-issued federally funded housing vouchers, which would cover the rent, but the lack of available apartments has kept these families stuck in limbo.

Courtney Ryan is still living in a hotel. In the six months since Hurricane Ida’s floodwaters devastated the region, her baby boy has had his first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, and first birthday at the Hammock Inn in Exton. Her older son, who has special needs, has struggled with being in a confined hotel room. And, like others who lost their homes in the storm, Ryan and her boyfriend haven’t been able to find anywhere to live.

The Chester County agency that provides funding for housing, neighborhood improvement, workforce development and other social services is conducting an internet survey about how its work measures up when it comes to equity, fairness and justice. The county Department of Community Development is asking those interested to complete the anonymous, multi-question social equity survey that is available on its website section at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DCDsocialequity

Chester County joined communities across the nation Tuesday in remembering those who died in 2021 without a place to call home. Just before sundown on what would be the longest night of the year, members of the Chester County community gathered in front of the Historic Chester County Courthouse to hear the names slowly read of the 13 individuals who passed away while living on the street. A pause of silence between each name allowed for a time of contemplation.