Redlining and the Challenge of Building Wealth in Chester County

When we talk about homelessness in Chester County, we cannot ignore the broader systemic issues that contribute to housing instability. Among these issues is redlining — a practice that has systematically denied certain communities, particularly communities of color, the opportunity to build generational wealth through homeownership. To understand homelessness today, it's crucial to explore how redlining continues to affect wealth building, housing stability, and economic opportunities for residents in Chester County and beyond.

What is Redlining?

Redlining refers to the discriminatory practice used by banks and insurers beginning in the 1930s, where neighborhoods deemed "undesirable" were outlined in red on maps, marking them as high-risk for loans or insurance. The label "undesirable" often corresponded directly to racial demographics — neighborhoods with predominantly Black and immigrant residents were consistently marked in red. This led to decades of disinvestment, not only in these neighborhoods but also in the lives of those living there. Even today, these practices leave lingering effects, contributing to racial wealth gaps and disparities in homeownership. The enduring impact of redlining means that wealthier areas become systemically more white, and more diverse neighborhoods face economic challenges. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions to promote equitable housing opportunities and dismantle the structural inequities rooted in these historically discriminatory practices.

The Link Between Redlining and Homelessness

Generational wealth is one of the most important buffers against housing insecurity. For many families, homeownership serves as a financial safety net, a way to pass value down to future generations, and a foundation for other economic opportunities like education or entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, redlining denied many families this opportunity, making it difficult for their children and grandchildren to accumulate wealth. Today, the legacy of redlining contributes directly to barriers that some Chester County residents face when trying to access stable housing or break free from cycles of poverty.

According to a recent report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, communities of color are more likely to face evictions, housing cost burdens, and long-term housing instability. This is partly because redlining prevents many families from building wealth and accessing quality financial services, leading to a cycle where housing remains unaffordable for successive generations. In Chester County, the absence of affordable housing options further compounds this issue, contributing to the increasing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

A Housing-First Approach to Addressing Inequities

The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness takes a housing-first approach to address these challenges. Housing-first means recognizing that stable housing is not the reward for overcoming obstacles, but rather the essential foundation on which individuals and families can thrive. By understanding historical barriers like redlining, our community can advocate for policies and resources that actively dismantle these inequities and make it easier for people to access stable housing without the burden of outdated prejudices that still shape today's housing landscape.

For instance, the Chester County Affordable Housing Trust Fund is working to invest in programs and initiatives that directly address disparities, such as funding for affordable housing developments and incentives for landlords to offer fair leasing opportunities. Similarly, Pennsylvania has introduced a state-based housing tax credit program to encourage the development of affordable rental housing. This program aims to reverse the impacts of discriminatory housing practices by expanding affordable housing credits to underserved areas, thereby creating opportunities for individuals previously affected by such practices to access stable and secure housing. This type of investment helps create an opportunity for individuals who were previously boxed out by discriminatory practices to finally gain access to stable and secure housing.

Moving Forward Together

Addressing homelessness in Chester County isn’t just about providing shelters or emergency services. It requires us to look honestly at how we got here—to face the history of redlining and its ongoing effects—and to focus our energy on creating an equitable system. When we invest in affordable housing and adopt policies that support underserved communities, we chip away at the foundations of inequality that continue to impact us all. Learn how you can get involved with the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness. Let's work together to reduce the impact of redlining and create a future where stable housing is a reality for all.

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.

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.