There’s a paradox in Chester County that’s putting pressure on the very people who can help solve the problem.

The pervading perception that Chester County is one of the wealthiest places in the nation has led to an illusion that all residents are doing well financially.  Sinking government support and rising demand for charitable services contribute to a landscape where unmet needs are festering.

Those in need are neglected and social services overloaded with work, underresourced and constantly scrutinized by the supporters they do have.

This, according to recent Daily Local News coverage of a charity executive’s plea to local business leaders in her state of the nonprofit sector address.

“You have the reality that there are people who are struggling in Chester County,” United Way of Chester County Community Engagement Manager and Program Director Mary Anne Feeley said in the article.

“Demand remains high for homeless shelters, food banks, mental health and drug addiction programs, affordable housing, early childhood education programs and senior citizen services,” the report stated. “Demand in Chester County is higher, percentage-wise, for drug addiction services, than the national average. Meanwhile, there is a large childhood obesity problem, an aging population and a Latino community that has unique needs.”

Read more about the problem and how it has driven the United Way, in particular, to more collaborative efforts in the Daily Local News here.