News & Resources
What One Faith Community Is Doing to Address the Affordable Housing Crisis in Chester County
With a growing gap between housing costs and wages, the dream of living in Chester County is slipping away for many families and individuals. A West Chester faith community, Westminster Presbyterian Church, has been at the forefront of advocacy and change, making significant strides toward addressing the housing affordability crisis. The Home Team explains the problem and its impact, and has provided some resources to explore how we, as a community, can make housing attainable for all.
Community Partner Spotlight: Westminster Presbyterian Church
With a growing gap between housing costs and wages, the dream of living in Chester County is slipping away for many families and individuals. A West Chester faith community, Westminster Presbyterian Church, has been at the forefront of advocacy and change, making significant strides toward addressing the housing affordability crisis.
Westminster Presbyterian Church's Home Team was formed five years ago to work to end homelessness and promote affordable housing in our county. The Home Team explains the problem and its impact, and has provided some resources to explore how we, as a community, can make housing attainable for all.
The Home Team Addresses the Problem
The Home Team was first formed because the church recognized the significant disparity between the rising housing costs and the slower growth of wages in Chester County. The lack of reasonably priced housing prevents many in our workforce from living where they work. Data from the Chester County Planning Commision’s “Housing Report-2023” showed:
The 2023 the median sales price ($492,000) was the highest in Chester County history, even when adjusting for inflation.
As sales prices continue to rise, the number and percentage of lower price homes has decreased.
Only 462 homes sold for under $250,000 in 2023, down by 3.1% from 2022. A household earning 100% Area Median Income ($118,574) could afford a house at around $350,000, and only 23% (1,237) of home sales were under this price in 2023.
This imbalance has left many unable to afford to live near where they work, affecting our economy and the social fabric of our community.
Impact on the Community
The lack of affordable housing in Chester County affects many residents. As the Home Team began its work, the team reflected on how the housing crisis affects a broad spectrum of residents – it impacts homeless families relying on vouchers, young professionals starting their careers, and teachers who shape our children’s futures. It impacts essential workers – nurses, EMTs and retail employees – and the county’s growing senior population, which is projected to nearly double by 2045. These are the individuals who make our local economy prosper, yet they are becoming increasingly unable to afford to live in our county.
Barriers to Solutions
The Home Team also realized that several hurdles stand in the way of resolving the affordable housing crisis. Outdated development processes and zoning ordinances increase housing costs. Obtaining funding for affordable housing is a complicated and time-consuming process; it can be easier for developers to build high-end housing instead. There’s also resistance from a vocal minority who oppose changes, further slowing down the creation of affordable housing.
The Home Team’s Call-to-Action
These challenges, however, are not insurmountable – you can help! By working together, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Here are some ideas and resources for advocating for affordable housing in Chester County.
Advocate: Speak [RH3] up in municipal meetings, and let your voice be heard in favor of policy changes that promote affordable housing. The Home Team has created an Advocacy Talking Points document which you can use to aid in this effort.
Community Involvement: Participate in or support local housing initiatives that are working on these issues. Search the Chester County Authorities, Boards and Commissions webpage to become involved.
Donate: Support the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, knowing that your contributions support our mission to create a community where everyone can afford to live.
Educate Yourself and Others: The Home Team developed this video on the housing crisis and advocacy. They have also developed a 20-minute presentation and presentation talking points that you can use to educate others. In addition, here are two short videos describing a successful workforce housing project, Pinckney Hill Commons in West Chester Borough. This video tells a tenant’s story. This one tells the developer’s and Borough’s story. Make your vote count for affordable housing by researching candidates for office and learning more about their policies on housing.
Volunteer and Organize: The Home Team are active volunteers promoting housing affordability. Volunteer for community organizations, faith-based organizations and nonprofits that support helping those in need, and help spread awareness about the need for affordable housing. The Chester County Community Resource Guide has a list of organizations and their contact information.
Change is Possible
The efforts you see here exemplify how individual actions can ignite community-wide change. By following the Home Team’s lead, we can collectively tackle the housing affordability crisis in Chester County, ensuring it remains a thriving community for all. If you would like to become a champion in your own organization or if you have questions about the Home Team’s efforts at Westminster Presbyterian Church, please contact Burt Rothenberger at BFRothen@verizon.net or contact Ruth Simonson at RSimonson19@gmail.com.
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