WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has been awarded more than $2 million by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds, part of the fiscal year 2023 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Awards, are specifically designated for initiatives focused on ending homelessness.
The award reflects the ongoing commitment of the DCD and its partner agencies, including the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, to rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness. But the battle against homelessness isn’t just about providing shelter. It also involves addressing the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness, such as trauma, and ensuring access to necessary programs and assistance.
The Chester County Commissioners voiced their support for the work being done by the DCD and its partners, “Chester County’s Department of Community Development, Partnership to End Homelessness, and other partner agencies work incredibly hard every day to rehouse individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and these funds boost their efforts. Homelessness is about more than just housing. It’s about trauma and having access to available programs and assistance. The CoC funds will help address all of these issues.”
Rob Henry, Administrator for the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, outlined how the CoC funds will be put to use. Twelve projects are currently on the docket, including rapid rehousing initiatives and permanent supportive housing schemes for individuals with disabilities and those who are chronically homeless.
The funds will be distributed among partner providers, including Open Hearth, Inc., Human Services, Inc., and Holcomb Associates, Inc. These organizations have been instrumental in addressing homelessness in Chester County, and the additional funding will augment their ability to continue this vital work.
The DCD, which serves as the Continuum of Care on behalf of Chester County, is tasked with coordinating the county’s response to homelessness. This includes not only providing housing but also connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve stability and independence.
This recent financial boost from the federal government is a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against homelessness in Chester County. It not only allows for the expansion of existing services but also enables the DCD to develop new and innovative programs to better serve those in need.
Given the complexity of homelessness as an issue, it requires a multi-pronged approach. This $2 million award will undoubtedly help Chester County push forward with its mission to end homelessness, providing hope for those affected by this crisis and reinforcing the county’s commitment to supporting its most vulnerable residents.
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