Habitat for Humanity of Chester County has received funding from the Lowes Neighborhood Revitalization Grant for Home Preservation. These allocated funds are dedicated to neighborhood revitalization projects in Coatesville.  

At Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, they recognize having a safe and comfortable place to live as a fundamental human right. Their mission is to help neighbors build strength, stability, and independence through homeownership.  

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County was awarded $10,500 in funds from the grant. With this funding, eleven families received an exterior “facelift” to their homes on Coates Street in downtown Coatesville.  

The team at Habitat has selected this block on Coates Street because they will be constructing more homes there in the future. Block residents have communicated that they are excited about the construction of Habitat homes on their street.  

One homeowner said, “It will add value to my home and help to revitalize Coatesville.” 

The revitalization projects consisted of repairs to broken windows, capping of windows and fascia, replacement of gutters and downspouts, repair of porch railings, replacement of storm doors, repair of fencing, and a fresh coat of paint to the awnings and porches. 

Before the projects began, Teneka Williams, another homeowner, said, “I am looking forward to enjoying my front porch, a place I have never been able to enjoy before. Once the work is completed, I can decorate and have another space to enjoy.”  

Williams works for Chester County full time and has a part time job. She works many hours and has very little time to do the work herself. She was willing to take time off to work alongside volunteers and staff to do the work if necessary. 

“Habitat for Humanity of Chester County is a familiar organization in Coatesville. They have built other houses on this street and around the city of Coatesville,” she said. “I have wanted to do things to the outside of my house for a long time, but the cost to do the repairs is a lot and I just don’t have it. I have worked little by little to do some things to the inside of my house, like the floors, but haven’t been able to do anything outside at all.”  

Habitat was also awarded ARPA funds to make critical home repairs on 100 homes in Coatesville. These repairs include modifications that will make the homes safer, drier, and more habitable or allow residents to age in place. These repairs will revitalize the aging housing stock in Coatesville. 

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County’s goal is to provide more habitable properties for families and individuals in the area. Through this project’s efforts, they are sustainably increasing the amount of decent, affordable homes in Coatesville. 

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.