Grant Will Aid First-Time Home Buyers In Coatesville

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Community Services Block Grant and CARES Act funds will help fill in gaps and remove hindrances for Coatesville residents looking to buy a home for the first time.

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline recently approved a contract for $50,000 with Coatesville-based non-profit Movement Community Development Corporation (MCDC) to provide outreach and budgeting guidance for current residents seeking to buy their first home in Coatesville.

Specifically, the $50,000 contract is for MCDC's Coatesville Home Ownership Made Easy (CHOME) program.

"We are pleased to work with MCDC on this project, and to collaborate with the City of Coatesville and many of the County’s organizations and non-profits that are also focused on the city’s revitalization,” said Chester County Commissioners' Chair Marian Moskowitz. "This project is important and necessary because it lets those who are living in Coatesville take advantage of the revitalization, to remain part of the community, and help it to thrive."

The CHOME first-time buyer program will be administered by MCDC, and will call upon the resources of the 2nd Century Alliance, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, the Housing Authority of Chester County, Housing Partnership of Chester County, Open Hearth Inc., and the City of Coatesville.

Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell said, "Homeownership remains one of the best long-term investments, but affordability and access, especially in a county like ours, can be a tremendous challenge. This $50,000 contract will fund core services to help identify and support those who want to purchase a home in Coatesville for the first time, with important tools to help achieve it."

MCDC Founder and President Alphonzo (Fonz) Newsuan said, "MCDC is honored that the County has entrusted us to be the gateway for homeownership in our region. Understanding the complexities and the stress that comes along with purchasing your first house, MCDC will be there to help navigate you through the process, before, during & after."

The $50,000 contract was awarded by the County Commissioners through the Chester County Department of Community Development, using Community Services Block Grant funds and CARES Act funding.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline added, "While the financial investment in a home can pay dividends over the long term, just as important is the emotional impact that owning a home can have. We applaud the efforts of MCDC to help the residents of Coatesville find a way to move from paying rent to pride of purchasing their own home, in the community that they love and want to see continue to grow and prosper."