The issue of affordable housing scarcity has become a nationwide concern. Like many other communities in the US, Chester County struggles to offer enough affordable housing due to high demand for homes and steadily increasing housing costs. Despite being among the wealthiest counties in Pennsylvania, on any given night approximately 400 people are experiencing homelessness in Chester County and many others struggle to afford rent.
Chester County was recently praised by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for its efforts to increase affordable housing options. Yet the issue is complex. It will require multiple solutions and partners working together to address an issue that is key to reducing intergenerational poverty.
Join the Chester County Funders Community of Practice for a conversation with Chester County officials and nonprofit providers who are moving forward with a variety of approaches to affordable housing development. Speakers will discuss community land banks, preservation efforts, and approaches to stopping gentrification in various parts of the county. Speakers will discuss community land banks, preservation efforts, and approaches to gentrification in various parts of the county.
Speakers will include:
- Dolores Colligan, Director, Chester County Dept. of Community Development
- Brian O’Leary, Executive Director, Chester County Planning Commission
- Leah Reynolds, Director, Kennett Area Community Services
Bring your own experiences and come ready to discuss how funders can be a part of the solution.
Resources
- Speaker Bios and Organizational Descriptions
- Chester County Trends and Housing Policies, Chester County Planning Commission (includes links to additional resources)
- Department of Community Development Presentation Slides (includes links to additional resources)
- United Way ALICE Data, link to interactive dashboards that provide data on financial hardship in Pennsylvania at the state, county and local level
- PA Landbank Resource Guide, Housing Alliance of PA
- Understanding Community Land Trusts, ShelterForce