WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s initiative to end homelessness has received a significant boost with an $800,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). The funds, part of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program, aim to amplify the county’s efforts to provide permanent housing solutions for those in need.
“This grant is great news for Chester County, and it is a testament to the staff in our Department of Community Development who, every day, seek to find homes for those who do not have them, and help those who have homes keep them,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell. He highlighted the effective programs and strategies already in place, noting that the additional funding will be both impactful and measurable.
The PHARE grant will support several key activities, including Chester County’s 211 Call Center, the expansion of the Street Outreach Team, emergency housing coordination, and strategic planning for the Partnership to End Homelessness initiative. These efforts are designed to streamline the process of connecting individuals in crisis with the resources they need.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz emphasized the importance of the 211 Call Center, stating, “A large portion of this grant will contribute to the 211 Call Center – located right here in Chester County – which is the single point of entry for people experiencing a housing crisis or who need emergency housing resources. Calling 211 helps to determine the housing need, which can lead to connections with Chester County’s Street Outreach Team – another service that will be expanded thanks to this PHARE funding.”
Since the inception of PHARE funding in 2018, Chester County’s Department of Community Development has received a total of $3.1 million. These funds have enabled the county to enhance and expand its efforts to prevent and end homelessness, significantly impacting the lives of many residents.
Commissioner Eric Roe added, “One of the greatest benefits of the PHARE program is that the funds are provided to meet locally-identified needs. Our application explains how the grant can best support our strategies, programs and efforts to prevent and end homelessness right here in Chester County, which leads to real impact.”
The importance of this grant cannot be overstated. Homelessness is a complex issue that affects not only individuals but entire communities. Providing stable housing can lead to improved health outcomes, better employment opportunities, and overall economic stability. The PHARE grant enables Chester County to address these issues more effectively, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.
In addition to Chester County’s Department of Community Development, 14 other county organizations received PHARE grants totaling more than $3 million. Many of these organizations are part of the Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness network, working collaboratively to create a comprehensive support system for those in need.
The funding for PHARE comes from two main sources. Since 2012, a portion of the impact fees collected from natural gas companies operating in Pennsylvania has been directed towards addressing housing shortages caused by drilling activities. This is supplemented by funds from the realty transfer tax, providing a robust financial foundation for the program.
The implications of this grant are far-reaching. By bolstering the infrastructure to support homeless individuals, Chester County is taking a proactive stance in ensuring that all residents have access to safe and permanent housing. This initiative not only improves individual lives but also fosters a stronger, more resilient community.
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