As October brings colder weather and bigger challenges for homeowners across the region, Chester County is being recognized for 25 years of supporting home repairs for low-income families through the faith-based nonprofit Good Works, Inc.

To celebrate the quarter-century milestone, Coatesville-based Good Works presented a plaque displaying a commemorative hammer recently to Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, as well as Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Terence Farrell, and Kathi Cozzone.

“This is a partnership that is almost as old as our organization,” said Good Works Executive Director Bob Beggs. “Over the past 25 years, county funds have been used to complete repairs for 664 families in Chester County who now have warm, safe, dry, and healthy homes.”

“Chester County’s support of organizations such as Good Works is really a tribute to Pat Bokovitz and his team, who are all tireless champions for the many nonprofit organizations throughout the county that help us to meet the needs of our underserved and vulnerable residents,” said Kichline.

“The success of Chester County’s 10-year plan to end chronic homelessness, Decade to Doorways, rests on partnerships with organizations like Good Works, and the efforts of the staff and volunteers at Good Works truly transform the lives of Chester County residents,” said Cozzone.

“As Commissioners, we often formally recognize the efforts of organizations like Good Works, and rightly so,” said Farrell. “It is an honor for us to be on the receiving end of this recognition from Good Works, and we will continue to support them as they continue to repair homes and restore hope for many years to come.”

Chester County’s funding for Good Works comes from the Department of Community Development’s “Housing Trust Program” (HTP). A large percentage of HTP funds are directed toward Good Works’ home repair items such as furnace replacements and roof repairs that exceed the technical skills and abilities of Good Works volunteers.

Chester County’s HTP funding – along with other income support from corporate partners, churches, and individual donors – allows Good Works to make repairs at no cost to homeowners, and volunteers do most of the work. In 2018 alone, Good Works completed 51 homes, assisted 174 families, and worked 37,947 volunteer hours.

The organization also takes pride in being an environmental steward while netting cost savings for low-income families through projects, including weatherizing homes and upgrading heating systems, repurposing used building supplies, recycling scrap metal, and installing water-saving devices.

Chester County applicants must own and live in their homes for two years before applying to Good Works. Most of the homeowners assisted are elderly, single parents, or individuals with physical disabilities.

Click here to learn more about Good Works.

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