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.

After Devastating Apartment Fire, Chester County Supercharges System To Divert 50 Families From Homelessness

In July 2020, Built for Zero community of Chester County, Pennsylvania, experienced a devastating fire at the Ashwood Apartment building, which destroyed 45 homes and displaced 50 families. One hundred people in total lost their homes and everything in it, creating vulnerability for inflow into the community’s primary homeless response system after the events of a single night.

Chester County officials launch partnership to end homelessness

Chester County is marking National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week by launching the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, a new program reflecting a reinforced commitment to helping the most vulnerable among us find or keep a stable place to live.

Chester County, the wealthiest in the state, launches new initiative to combat homelessness

Organized by the county's Department of Community Development, the partnership aims to make the public more aware of available resources and end the stigma associated with the issue.

¡Lanzamiento de la campaña de concientización pública!

Decade to Doorways y el condado de Chester reconocieron los esfuerzos incansables y el progreso significativo de la asociación Decade to Doorways de agencias locales, empresas, comunidades religiosas y vecinos para poner fin a la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para 2022.

Decade to Doorways anunció la nueva campaña de concientización pública para mostrar la compasión activa detrás de escena y el apoyo inquebrantable que la asociación brinda a nuestra comunidad a diario.

Decade to Doorways COVID-19 Response

The community has had to adapt and respond creatively to continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in need during the current health crisis.

DCD staff transitioned over 100 community members residing in emergency shelters and places not meant for human habitation into area hotels. “Using hotels was deemed the best means of ensuring the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members,” said Pat Bokovitz.

Since the start of the pandemic, in mid-March, over 50 households have taken part in a housing program that has resulted in being placed in permanent housing or who are currently looking for a permanent home.

One of the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania says it’s finally close to ending homelessness

By The Philadelphia Inquirer

Since 2011, Chester County has been pouring time and money into reaching a lofty goal: ending homelessness within 10 years. “I’ve never seen the momentum we have now,” one advocate said as the deadline looms.

After a relationship ended three years ago, Michael Thomas had to move out. He found himself homeless for the first time in his life.

Read the full article

Coordinated Entry System Update

The Chester County Department of Community Development is pleased to announce an update to the county's Coordinated Entry System. Beginning on December 12, 2019, there will be separate Call Center and Street Outreach services available to residents experiencing homelessness.

This change is an important enhancement to the success of the Decade to Doorways initiative to end homelessness in Chester County. Call Center services will be administered by Pennsylvania's 211 system via a contract with the United Way of Chester County. 211 services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Human Services Inc. will provide full-time Street Outreach specialists to engage and verify individuals and families that are street homeless, while assisting them with access to shelter.

Public Awareness Campaign Kick-off!

Decade to Doorways and Chester County recognized the tireless efforts and significant progress of the Decade to Doorways partnership of local agencies, businesses, faith communities, and neighbors in ending homelessness in Chester County by 2022. 

Decade to Doorways announced the new public awareness campaign to showcase the behind the scenes active compassion and unwavering support that the partnership provides to our community on a daily basis.

January 2019 Point in Time Count Report finds lower number of people experiencing homelessness in Chester County

EDITORS: The following is for immediate release. For further information please contact Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6959. 

2019 official count reveals decrease of 24 percent in homeless numbers over past four years 

WEST CHESTER, PA. A report compiled by the Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Decade to Doorways Partnership has found that 517 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Chester County in the early hours of January 24, 2019. This represents a decrease of 24 percent over four years in the number of people experiencing homelessness. A summary of the findings were reported by Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development at the Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting this week. 

The Point in Time Count is a national effort mandated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals and families who are residing in emergency shelters and transitional living facilities, as well as unsheltered individuals on the street or in places not meant for sleeping. 

Within Chester County, the Point in Time Count is one component of understanding homelessness, and is part of Decade to Doorways: The Community’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Chester County. The County has participated in the Point-in-Time Count for more than ten years. 

Of the 517 individuals experiencing homelessness in the early hours of January 24, 2019, 497 men, women, and children were housed in emergency or transitional shelters. Of the 497 that were housed, 201 were veterans. The street count found 20 individuals who were unsheltered (sleeping in cars, tents or places not meant for human habitation). A majority of these individuals were found in Kennett Square. 

Chester County’s 2019 Point in Time Count shows a decrease in those experiencing homelessness for four consecutive years. In 2016, 682 individuals were counted; in 2017 the number was 570; and in 2018 the number dropped to 555. 

Pat Bokovitz, Director of Chester County’s Department of Community Development, said, “The downward trend that Chester County is seeing for those who are experiencing homelessness can be attributed to a combination of factors, all coming together because of the Decade to Doorways initiative. 

“We are bringing together the work of our coordinated homeless service providers, the increase in permanent supportive housing resources, and the targeting of resources to support the most vulnerable. These efforts are bringing us even closer to Chester County’s goal of ending homelessness.” 

In addition to the presentation of this year’s Point in Time Count Report findings, an April 2nd Decade to Doorways event will kick-off the program’s public awareness campaign. With the mission to end homelessness in Chester County by 2022, Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell will provide an inspiring update on Decade to Doorways’ collective accomplishments. The public is encouraged to attend the event at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High Street in West Chester. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m. 

For additional information on Chester County’s 2019 Point in Time Count, the Decade to Doorways Partnership and homelessness in Chester County contact Gene Suski, Community Services Manager for the Chester County Department of Community Development at 610-344-6900 or go to the Decade to Doorways website at www.decadetodoorways.org.

El informe de conteo de enero del 2019 encuentra un menor número de personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester

EDITORES: Lo siguiente es para publicación inmediata. Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester al 610-344-6959.

El informe de conteo de enero de 2019 encuentra un menor número de personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester

El recuento oficial del 2019 revela una disminución del 24 por ciento en el número de personas sin hogar en los últimos cuatro años

WEST CHESTER, PA. Un informe compilado por el Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester (DCD) y la Asociación Decade to Doorways encontró que 517 personas fueron identificadas como personas sin hogar en el condado de Chester en las primeras horas del 24 del enero de 2019. Esto representa una disminución del 24 por ciento en cuatro años en el número de personas sin hogar. Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester, informó un resumen de los hallazgos en la Reunión Sunshine de los Comisionados del Condado de Chester esta semana.

El recuento temporal es un esfuerzo nacional ordenado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos para determinar el número de personas sin hogar. Esto incluye a personas y familias que residen en refugios de emergencia e instalaciones de vivienda de transición, así como a personas sin refugio en la calle o en lugares no destinados a dormir.

Dentro del condado de Chester, el recuento es un componente para comprender la falta de vivienda y es parte de Decade to Doorways: el plan de la comunidad para prevenir y acabar con la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester. El condado ha participado en el conteo en un momento determinado durante más de diez años.

De las 517 personas que se quedaron sin hogar en las primeras horas del 24 de enero del 2019, 497 hombres, mujeres y niños fueron alojados en refugios de emergencia o de transición. De los 497 que se alojaron, 201 eran veteranos. El recuento de calles encontró 20 personas que no estaban protegidas (durmiendo en automóviles, tiendas de campaña o lugares no destinados a la habitación humana). La mayoría de estas personas se encontraron en Kennett Square.

El recuento puntual del 2019 del condado de Chester muestra una disminución en las personas sin hogar durante cuatro años consecutivos. En el 2016, se contaron 682 personas; en el 2017 la cifra fue de 570; y en 2018 el número se redujo a 555.

Pat Bokovitz, Director del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado de Chester, dijo: “La tendencia a la baja que el Condado de Chester está viendo para aquellos que están experimentando la falta de vivienda puede atribuirse a una combinación de factores, todos juntos debido a la iniciativa Decade to Doorways.

“Estamos reuniendo el trabajo de nuestros proveedores de servicios coordinados para personas sin hogar, el aumento de los recursos de vivienda de apoyo permanente y la focalización de recursos para apoyar a los más vulnerables. Estos esfuerzos nos acercan aún más al objetivo del condado de Chester de acabar con la falta de vivienda ".

Además de la presentación de los hallazgos del Informe de recuento de este año, un evento del 2 de abril Decade to Doorways dará inicio a la campaña de concientización pública del programa. Con la misión de acabar con la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester para el 2022, los comisionados Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone y Terence Farrell proporcionarán una actualización inspiradora sobre los logros colectivos de Decade to Doorways. ¡Se anima al público a asistir al evento en Uptown! Centro de artes escénicas Knauer, 226 N. High Street en West Chester. Las puertas se abren a las 4:30 p.m. y la presentación comienza a las 5:30 p.m.

Para obtener información adicional sobre el recuento del condado de Chester del 2019, la asociación Decade to Doorways y la falta de vivienda en el condado de Chester, comuníquese con Gene Suski, gerente de servicios comunitarios del Departamento de Desarrollo Comunitario del condado de Chester al 610-344-6900 o vaya al Decade to Doorways sitio web en www.decadetodoorways.com.