Housing
much to protect the freedoms that we enjoy here in this country,” Twyman said. “Providing affordable quality housing is an important and worthwhile endeavor.”
Dale Gravett, executive director, Housing Authority of Chester County, said the project demonstrates what can be done through true partnership.
“We are providing 35 project based vouchers for this program,” he said. “We have a 15 year contract with Mission First. What does that mean? Over that period of time over $4 million worth of rental assistance coming into this building to help subsidize the rents of veterans and make housing affordable.”
The projected total utility cost for the average apartment will be about $45 a month thanks to the vouchers and efficient building standards,” he said. “It’s not just affordable housing. It’s absolutely gorgeous affordable housing.”
Retired Major Gen. Eric Weller, deputy adjutant general-Veterans Affairs, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, thanked Mission First for taking on the project.
“Out of approximately 21 million veterans in this great nation, 900,000 of those people live in the state of Pennsylvania,” he said. “They’ve served in areas in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq. And they’ve served with pride and distinction. They deserve our support as it relates to compensation, pension, healthcare, education, employment and especially homelessness.”
Monica Hawkins, director of public housing for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, recognized the families who would have the opportunity to move in to the new facility.
“This is an amazing opportunity,” she said. “And I am thrilled the department had a hand in making this possible.”
In addition to the new units, Hawkins said the Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Mission First Housing Group will provide on-site services to residents.
“The department stands ready to support the Chester County Housing Authority in all of its future endeavors,” she said.
One of the biggest challenges in Chester County is the development of affordable housing, said Patrick Bokovitz, director of community development for Chester County.
“Today is a wonderful day,” he said. “To see the coordination and collaboration that occurs between the VA and the housing authority on the (Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Administration Supportive Housing) is tremendous. This of that.”
Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline called the project an example of how things are done right in the county.
“Bringing together organizations and people to find a solution to a real need,” she said. “And the need is quality affordable housing for our veterans. And how appropriate is it that we’re cutting this ribbon on Flag Day. This day was officially recognized by President Woodrow Wilson 100 years ago today. So it honors the flag under which our veterans have served. It is a symbol of our unity, our power, our thought and purpose as a nation.”
The county has is a the culmination goal of ending 2023.
“It’s ambitious and some would say seemingly impossible but we are determined that no one will be left on the streets if they would like housing,” she said. “By 2023 our supply of housing and resources will exceed the demand.”
“I want to officially, on behalf of East Vincent Township, welcome all the veterans who will be calling this their home,” said Mark Dunphy, chairman of the East Vincent Township Board of Supervisors. “I want to welcome them into our community as veterans, heroes and just as importantly as citizens of East Vincent Township.” homelessness by