Initiative Keeping Low-Income Families In West Chester Homes

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Families who live in a 31-unit West Chester apartment community will have their dwelling places preserved under a non-profit funding model aimed at keeping vulnerable residents in place.

"Preservation" means a joint venture of non-profit, mission-based developers will be able to purchase ownership interest in properties now controlled by Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC). By doing so, they'll keep some very low income, vulnerable residents in their homes.

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency awarded $1 million in Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement funding to HDC MidAtlantictoward the Chester County Preservation Initiative (CCPI), an $18.6 million preservation of 97 affordable homes in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

CCPI communities include Hannum Gardens, a 31-unit apartment community serving families in West Chester, on Downingtown Pike. The apartments have 3 or more bedrooms. All residents there have very low incomes that would not allow them to rent elsewhere in Chester County.

CCPI was created after mission-based, nonprofit developers HDC MidAtlantic and Mission First were selected to purchase the ownership interest in two limited partnerships in three properties currently controlled by the Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC) in 2018. The new ownership entity will be controlled by HDC MidAtlantic and Mission First.

The Housing Authority of Chester County will partner with HDC and Mission First to preserve and upgrade 97 units of affordable housing around the coutny. This housing includes units for both seniors, persons with disabilities, and families.

Mission First describes its mission: "Mission First Housing Groups mission is to develop and manage affordable, safe and sustainable homes for people in need, with a focus on the vulnerable. We ensure our residents have access to resources to help them live independently. We deliver housing that provides long-term benefits to residents and neighborhoods, alike."

Other CCPI communities in the county include Washington House Apartments, a 10-unit apartment community serving seniors aged 55 and over with preference given to those living with handicaps or disabilities, and Ash Park Terrace, a 56-unit apartment community serving seniors aged 55 and over and individuals living with disabilities, both in Coatesville.