Homeless Prevention and Help Stopping an Eviction in Chester County
Homeless prevention and rehousing programs in Chester County, Pennsylvania are designed to stop eviction or any other housing crisis early, before homeless occurs. The programs also aim to keep people safely housed, and help people who have lost housing return to a stable home as quickly as possible. Learn more below about options available in Chester County PA around homeless and eviction prevention, with some options also around rehousing.
Programs for stopping homelessness
In most cases, the first step to take is not to call multiple shelters, charities or nonprofit agencies one by one. Chester County uses a coordinated entry approach so that people facing eviction or a struggle can be assessed and directed to the most appropriate resources based on need, safety concerns, funding and availability. All government-funded resources are funneled through the Human Needs Network. The Process is dial 2-1-1 (or text your zip code to 898-211). Resource Navigators conduct an initial screening to determine if you qualify for Diversion (finding an immediate alternative to shelter), Prevention (keeping your current home), or Emergency Shelter.
- For many currently homeless residents or people facing eviction, coordinated entry starts by dialing 2-1-1. The Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness (website: https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/coordinated-entry) is a leading agency and the coordinated entry service helps people to emergency housing resources, homeless prevention and diversion, and as well as financial help if/when available. People who are unsheltered, in a shelter, “doubled up,” facing eviction and that need rent or utility help, or otherwise in a housing crisis can start by calling 211 for screening and referrals.
Homeless prevention programs focus on keeping a household from becoming homeless, whether it is due to potential evictions or utility shut-offs with information available on rental assistance in Chester County. That can mean helping someone avoid an eviction, negotiating with a landlord, paying a past-due rent balance, or moving to safer or more affordable housing before losing a lease. Homeless prevention - rehousing will also help with addressing a short-term income loss.
In Chester County, one well-known prevention effort is the Eviction Prevention Case Resolution (EPCR) program run by Friends Association. Friends Association aims to arrange everything from free legal aid, financial assistance for rent or a deposit, and social services. It can include landlord-tenant mediation and help from housing resource navigators.
- Eviction Prevention Case Resolution (EPCR), operated by the Friends Association, provides a "buffer" between tenants and landlords. Some services that may be offered include legal representation, mediation, and financial assistance for back-rent or security deposits. People looking to learn more can start at 825 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380 or call (610) 431-3598.
Home of the Sparrow is another Chester County provider that focuses heavily on preventing homelessness with a focus on single women and mothers with children. Programs include eviction prevention, single mother rent assistance programs and other housing stability services. The organization may provide supportive housing services to women who are experiencing homelessness or in danger of losing their homes. The address is 969 E. Swedesford Road, Exton PA 19341. Phone: 610-647-4940.
State and federal funding also often support many local services. Pennsylvania’s Homeless Assistance Program (HAP), which is also offered in Chester County, helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness become self-sufficient and secure permanent living arrangements. It may also include homelessness prevention activities, such as paying out rent money to stop an eviction. While residents usually access local services through coordinated entry and provider agencies, it can still be helpful to understand that HAP exists. The Chester County Assistance Office is also a resource for the HAP program and the location is 100 James Buchanan Dr Rd, Thorndale, PA 19372, dial (610) 466-1000
Chester County PA rapid rehousing
Rehousing programs in Chester County PA typically support people who are already homeless (in shelter, unsheltered, or maybe fleeing a situation where they cannot safely stay). The goal is to help them move into permanent housing. Rapid rehousing is one of the most common models in the county and even nationwide. It combines short-term financial assistance (such as help with security deposits or a limited period of rent) with housing search support and case management.
Chester County’s coordinated entry information can help people access rapid rehousing, which is intended to help households move into permanent housing as quickly as possible with limited assistance. Starting at coordinated entry can help determine whether rapid rehousing, supportive housing, or another option is the best fit.
Human Services, Inc. (HSI) in Chester County offers rapid re-housing among its homeless services and supportive housing programs. While the agency instructs those needing emergency housing to call 211, with intake handled on weekdays. This is an example of how the system often works in practice: 211 helps route people to openings and assessments, and provider agencies deliver the housing and support services. People can review HSI’s housing-related services at https://humanservicesinc.org/homeless-services-supportive-housing/.
For families with children in the southern part of Chester County, Family Promise of Southern Chester County may provide assistance to families with kids. The programs are for people experiencing homelessness and the charity works with families in doubled-up situations among other situations. It also uses case management and temporary housing options while families secure stable housing. The location is at 1156 W Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Call (610) 444-0400.
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