LOCAL NEWS: Chester County reaches ‘functional zero milestone’ for chronic homelessness. What does that mean?

“For the first time since Chester County began tracking the data in 2023, the county achieved a “functional zero milestone” for chronic homelessness in December 2025 and January 2026.

A “functional zero” means that three or fewer people were experiencing chronic homelessness. During each of those months, officials logged just three people fitting the category. The monthly average is around 11.

The dip did not last. However, county officials still see it as a sign of progress.”

Kenny Cooper for WHYY

6/11/2026

LOCAL NEWS: Homelessness decreases by 30% in Chester County

“WEST CHESTER  — People are stepping up in Chester County to reduce homelessness.

Monday, the county announced it had reached a “functional zero milestone” for chronic homelessness.

This achievement was first made public during a recent Chester County Department of Community Development event on housing affordability and homelessness held last week on June 2.”

Jen Samuel for Daily Local News

6/8/2026

PRESS RELEASE: Chester County Reaches Functional Zero Milestone for Chronic Homelessness

“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of community partners, Chester County has reached a functional zero milestone for chronic homelessness, the Chester County Department of Community Development announced at its recent State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness in Chester County event.

Chronic homelessness refers to long-lasting or recurring homelessness that affects a community’s most vulnerable residents. Achieving this functional zero milestone is the result of a countywide, coordinated, data-driven entry system that has successfully reduced chronic homelessness to a rare, manageable level.”

West Chester gets a new family shelter: ‘We will not turn our eyes away from homelessness’

January 21, 2026

The Friends Association’s new building located 825 Paoli Pike comprises an office space and a 10-unit family shelter.

Partnerships and programs addressing homelessness in Chester County

Chester County Press article by Richard Gaw, “Regarding the issue of homelessness in Chester County, the good news is that a consortium of agencies is conspiring to provide a hand-up to those who are struggling to find secure housing in the county, in the form of bold initiatives and collaborations.”

Chester County Community Foundation awards $45,000 to 15 nonprofits

Annual Point-In-Time count shows decrease in homelessness in Chester County

WEST CHESTER — An annual survey of the homeless population in Chester County showed a significant decline.

The Chester County Department of Community Development and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness released the 2024 Point-In-Time count results at the county’s State of Housing Affordability and Homelessness event.

The results, presented to more than 120 partner organizations and stakeholders, revealed that 213 people were experiencing homelessness in Chester County on the night of Jan. 24, 2024. The PIT count — a manual national census of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on one night in January — showed a significant reduction compared with Chester County’s 2023 results.

Chester County organizations to host ‘poverty simulation’

Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness are hosting a role-playing event where community members “experience” the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. It’s called a “poverty simulation.”

Chester County Department of Community Development Receives $2 Million Federal Grant to Combat Homelessness

DelVal Counties Offer Programs To Help Homeless People

16 homeless Chester County residents who died honored

Sixteen homeless Chester County residents who died in the past year were remembered during a memorial service recently at the historic Chester County Courthouse.

A candle was lit for each person who passed, while their names and ages were solemnly read, during National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2022.

Similar events were held nationwide to mark Dec. 21, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.

The goal of the memorial service that attracted almost three dozen attendees was to commemorate the men, women and children who died on the streets and in emergency shelters this year, to recommit to ending homelessness in Chester County and to prevent such deaths in the future.

Affordable housing unit opens in West Chester

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 Hosts Community Groups and Legislators to Discuss Affordable Housing

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.

The legislative gathering followed a series of six focus group sessions hosted by local nonprofits including Home of the Sparrow, Orion Communities, Act in Faith of Greater West Chester, Kennett Area Community Service, Community Youth and Women’s Alliance, Oxford Area Neighborhood Services, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, Oxford Silo, Black Women of Chester County in Action, and the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness in partnership with The Housing Alliance of PA. The goal of the focus groups was listening to and lifting the voices of people with lived experience and expertise to make substantial positive changes in the rust belt, rural, and inner ring suburb communities. A total of 61 individuals shared their testimonies and experiences regarding housing in Chester County.

Chesco commits to rehousing 150 households and building 350 affordable units

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.

Chesco’s Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation announcing the county’s involvement in the program at Wednesday’s public meeting. “The board pledges to work with HUD and USICH to make effective use of American Rescue Plan, CARES Act, and other federal, state, and local resources to address homelessness and ensure that all residents at all income levels have a safe and affordable place to live,” Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said.

Chester County homeless population decreases by 23%

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.

“I’m so glad — relieved that the number is going down. We’re not there … We still have 400 people that are homeless. But to have a reduction of 23%, given the economy and everything that goes on, I think it’s a really good sign for the future,” Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz said.

Guaranteed (Rent) to Help Your Community

Calling all Chester County Landlords:

More than one year after losing their home to Hurricane Ida, one renter in Chester County is still living out of a hotel and seeking an affordable place to live. 

Landlords, we can help you, and you can help this Hurricane Ida victim. This renter has a subsidy which guarantees a portion of or the entire rent. Plus, we are offering a $1,000 incentive to any landlord who has a first floor apartment available for this renter.

Landlords who have worked with the Housing Locator program have already helped flood victims move into new apartments utilizing housing vouchers and emergency rental assistance. 

One recently housed Hurricane Ida victim broke down in tears of joy because of the outpouring of compassion and support finding housing and furnishings. Volunteers from the Mission Community Church provided new pots, plates, cups, and other housewares, in addition to finding end tables, a sofa, and rug for the new apartment. Neighbors came by to help put together furniture and paint walls. The collective care for this one individual made all the difference to them. 

We have just one more renter in need of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. You can help. We need landlords like you to provide a place to live.

Make a difference by renting to a family displaced by Hurricane Ida and receive reliable monthly payment and a $1,000 signing bonus.

If you are a landlord in Chester County and are interested in participating, please contact Jen Manthey, disaster relief coordinator for Brandywine Valley Active Aging:

Email: jen@bvactiveaging.org

Phone: 484-889-5715

Chester County issues plea for rental property owners to open their doors to Ida victims

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.

‘I can’t get out’: These families lost their homes in Hurricane Ida. They’re stuck in hotels six months later

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.

Chester County asks for responses to equity survey

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 officials remember 13 people who died homeless in 2021

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.