Homeless man’s death offers somber reminder

After accepting help, 47-year-old opts to return to troubled lifestyle By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times The sign doesn’t deter the homeless from setting up encampments in areas that are difficult to access but offer some protection from the elements. A week ago, a homeless man who ultimately rejected efforts to help him succumbed to chronic alcoholism in Kennett Township, according...

Annual count shows rise in county’s homeless

Officials say variety of programs aiming to reverse number permanently By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Volunteers and service providers involved in the Point-in-Time Count discuss the results with county workers, including Sarah Trentley (left) and Heather N. Charboneau (right). The teams of more than 100 volunteers had a daunting, annual task on Jan. 29: locating the homeless,...

Progress seen in plan to end homelessness

County officials applaud collaborative Decades to Doorways initiative By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell (right) discusses the Decades to Doorways initiative, with its administrator, Michael Hackman. For nearly 10 years, 77-year-old Pedro lived in the Kennett Square shadows: hidden in a ramshackle, makeshift structure he called home. Twenty...

Hundreds of homeless in county spur changes

New toll-free number proves popular addition to proactive approach  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times This makeshift housing typifies what volunteers saw during the “point-in-time” count in January that revealed 625 Chester County citizens without a permanent residence. Wielding flashlights and cartons of supplies – clothes, food and blankets – a team of volunteers...