Homelessness down for fourth straight year
WEST CHESTER >> Fewer people are experiencing homelessness in Chester County.
There are 517 people identified as experiencing homelessness in Chester County, according to a report by the Chester County Department of Community Development and the Decade to Doorways partnership. It represents a 24 percent decrease in the past four years.
“The downward trend that Chester County is seeing for those who are experiencing homelessness can be attributed to a combination of factors, all coming together because of the Decade to Doorways initiative,” said Pat Bokovitz, director of Chester County’s Department of Community Development. “We are bringing together the work of our coordinated homeless service providers, the increase in permanent supportive housing resources, and the targeting of resources to support the most vulnerable. These efforts are bringing us even closer to Chester County’s goal of ending homelessness.”
The findings were reported by Chester County commissioners.
Of the 517 individuals experiencing homelessness on the evening of Jan. 24, 2019, 497 men, women, and children were housed in emergency or transitional shelters. Of the 497 who were housed, 201 were veterans. The street count found 20 individuals who were unsheltered (sleeping in cars, tents or places not meant for human habitation). Most of those homeless were found in Kennett Square.
It’s the fourth consecutive year Chester County’s 2019 Point in Time Count showed a decrease in those experiencing homelessness. In 2016, 682 individuals were counted; in 2017 the number was 570; and in 2018 the number dropped to 555.
The Point in Time Count is part of Decade to Doorways: The Community’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in Chester County. County officials have participated in the Point-in-Time Count for more than 10 years.
In Chester County, many organizations have been established to help those experiencing homelessness, including Family Promise of Southern Chester County, HIS Mission of Kennett Square, Bridge of Hope, City Gate Shelter for Men in Coatesville, Good Samaritan Shelter in Phoenixville, Salvation Army Shelter for Men in West Chester, W.C. Atkinson Shelter in Coatesville and Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester.
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development estimate that a single person in homelessness costs the government approximately $40.000 in emergency services per year. Nearly 40 percent of the homeless population consists of those 18 years old and younger.
Details of the report will be presented at the County’s Decade to Doorways Partnership event scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, 226 N. High St. in West Chester.
The April 2 Decade to Doorways event will kick off the program’s public awareness campaign.
With the mission to end homelessness in Chester County by 2022, Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell will provide an update on Decade to Doorways’ collective accomplishments. The public is invited to the event. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at 5:30 p.m.
The Point in Time Count is a national effort mandated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness. This includes individuals and families who are residing in emergency shelters and transitional living facilities, as well as unsheltered individuals on the street or in places not meant for sleeping.