(Kennett Square)- The rotational housing model provided by local congregations for homeless families in southern Chester County shifted recently to a static housing model to protect volunteers and families from exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
Liberty Breen of Hockessin, De., has been hired as Development Manager to ensure funds are available to cover the additional costs of the static housing model and an increase in case management services due to the pandemic. She will focus on all fundraising efforts including all campaigns, outreach to donors and grant writing. Liberty brings years of community-based development work most recently at Girls, Inc. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and Pace University School of Law.
“Our program is stretched and new funding is needed to help the many families who are new to homelessness during a pandemic and to keep our graduates stably housed,” said Renna Van Oot, Executive Director, Family Promise of Southern Chester County. “Our doors have remained open but we have operated very differently to support families experiencing homelessness after our church rotational model with thousands of hours of volunteer support and 365 nights of donated overnight space, collapsed,”
As the pandemic continues, additional housing options and more case management services are needed. There are currently 11 families on the waiting list for emergency housing, case management for graduates has increased and it is taking longer for families to find stable income and affordable housing to support their move into their own housing.
About Family Promise of Southern Chester County: FPSCC is committed to helping children and their families experiencing homelessness in the Avondale, Kennett Consolidated, Octorara, Oxford, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts. Its goal is to help families achieve lasting self-sufficiency and stability by providing comprehensive case management services, as well as shelter and meals through a network of congregations and volunteers until they find sustainable housing. Family Promise of Southern Chester County is part of a national, nonprofit initiative founded in 1988 with over 200 affiliates across the US changing the lives of families. To volunteer, make a donation, or provide services, please contact Family Promise of Southern Chester County at www.familypromisescc.org or ED@familypromisescc.org.