The Chester County Commissioners joined other officials and Friends Association leaders for a ribbon-cutting of a new 10-unit non-congregate emergency housing facility in West Chester.
The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has awarded $3,270,000 to Friends Association for the creation of a new 10-unit non-congregate emergency housing facility in West Chester. This funding is the largest single award ever made by DCD and is funded entirely by federal and state grants.
With the opening of the new shelter, Chester County’s total family shelter capacity will increase from 16 to 26 units, removing all families from the emergency housing waitlist and reducing to zero the number of families with children sleeping outside or in cars.
The award includes $566,656 from the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act, $124,850 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program, and $2,578,494 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP).
“Chester County is investing in solutions that are both compassionate and effective,” said Josh Maxwell, Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. “By leveraging federal and state funding, we made the largest single housing investment in the history of our Department of Community Development, delivering real and immediate impact for families in need.”
Non-congregate housing provides families with private living spaces and their own bathrooms, as well as shared laundry facilities. Friends Association repurposed a vacant building on Paoli Pike in West Chester, located near public transportation and a grocery store. The building also serves as their primary office location, making supportive services easily accessible to residents.
“Families experiencing homelessness deserve dignity, privacy, and stability,” said Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “This non-congregate shelter delivers all three, providing fully accessible, private units and the supportive services families need to move forward.”
Commissioner Eric Roe said, “As temperatures plummet and winter storms roll in, I’m reminded of how important the work of the Friends Association is. Because of this new building, 10 families will have shelter and an opportunity to get back on their feet. Homelessness isn’t a problem unique to big cities. It happens right here in bucolic Chester County, too. We are committed to eliminating homelessness and helping families find stable housing. This project gets us one step closer.”
Visit the Friends Association website for more information. If you are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, dial 211 to contact the Human Needs Network of Chester County.
