What We Do
Right now we are working with families in Southern Chester County, PA, who are living in "doubled-up" situations. We provide a comprehensive case management service program to help families find their own living quarters and sustain independence. We are also in the process of finding a shelter location in which to house families.
Helping “Doubled Up” Families
Determined to continue to serve families, we turned to our waiting list. We started providing case management services without moving families into shelter, but rather working with them in the situation they were in. Many are “doubled-up” living with friends or family. But for many reasons, these families find themselves unable to move forward. Some are living in crowded or not very habitable conditions. The need in our community is so great that sometimes once families are “diverted” from street homelessness to somewhere – anywhere – where they have a relatively safe roof over their head, they are no longer considered homeless. But we know that the situation may not improve, and they may end up homeless, unless there is some assistance available to them. So right now our focus is on these families.
Kennett Square Resource Center for Daytime Services
The Resource Center in Kennett Square is not a shelter. It offers a true home base to families in our program.The Center offers many services and amenities that families need, including basic necessities such as showers, laundry, and a kitchen. Beyond that, we provide a mailing address where families can get mail and have their children enrolled in their own school district, toys for the kids, a place to spend family time together on the weekends, and games for the family. We also provide crucial support resources, such as computer access, community resources, case management, and job search assistance.As guests of our Resource Center, each family has their own set of chores to maintain the home. Everyone plays a role and does their part. The Resource Center is truly a place that provides an invaluable sense of routine, safety, and security for families with children. Children come home from school to see their parents every day while doing their homework. With a beautiful living room and a fireplace, the Resource Center offers all the comforts of home to families who have endured the hardship of homelessness.
Fellowship and Compassion
Volunteers are the heart of Family Promise of Southern Chester County. They cook, serve meals, play with children and help them with their homework, and stay overnight. Most importantly, volunteers interact with the guests, treating them with respect and responding with compassion.
Support Services to Address the Root of Poverty and Homelessness
The Family Promise of Southern Chester County Case Manager works with local social service agencies to help guests find jobs, housing, and other social services. The agencies assist guest families to work through substance abuse, domestic violence or psychiatric problems which may be impeding their ability to find and sustain stable housing.