Safe Harbor Shelter in Chester County Again at Full Capacity

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Colorful butterflies painted on the wall at Safe Harbor in West Chester
Image via Safe Harbor
Colorful butterflies greet visitors to Safe Harbor in West Chester in this mural painted on the wall of their building

Safe Harbor of Chester County, a nonprofit supporting homeless individuals in Chester County, is keeping busy in 2023.

Its emergency shelter is back to full capacity, able to serve 20 men and 20 women for the first time since the pandemic started in March 2020.

Working on the new shelter tables

The shelter’s continuous service is due to the committed staff, volunteers, and board members

New tables were recently installed by shelter residents on the first floor to allow for more flexible use of the space.

Safe Harbor also recently updated its phone system to include the new 211 county service line.

The new line allows single men and women experiencing homelessness to access shelter at Safe Harbor and connect with necessary community resources.

Gerome Gray

New roles

Marsa Baker

Two new roles have been added to the Safe Harbor team.  Gerome Gray is a new case manager and will be supporting the men at the shelter.

Marsha Baker is the new kitchen manager, organizing and increasing efficiencies with her new team.

Safe Harbor is also hiring for numerous positions. The nonprofit is seeking a full-time volunteer manager, another full-time case manager, and part-time people for the evening and overnight shelter staff. 

If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Safe Harbor team and supporting its mission, contact wendy@safeharborofgwc.org.

A thank you

Safe Harbor thanks Judy Jeffords-Homits for her six years of leadership.  The Board of Directors has started a formal search process for its next executive director.

Meanwhile, board member Catherine Friedman and nonprofit consultant Wendy Kershner are serving as co-interim executive directors.

Safe Harbor of Chester County was created in 1992 by a task force of local politicians and community members who wanted to help their neighbors who were experiencing homelessness.

Shelter was provided by different local faith-based organizations in 30-day increments.

Since 1995, Safe Harbor has had a location at 20 N. Matlack Street in West Chester and operates a permanent shelter there for 20 men and 20 women.

The organization provides emergency shelter, food, and access to support services. Safe Harbor is primarily privately funded and was able to continue operating through the entire COVID-19 pandemic. 

Find out more about Safe Harbor of Chester County.

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