For more than two centuries, the Friends Association in West Chester has worked to provide resources to individuals and families facing hardship, helping them build stable, successful lives.

That mission includes advocating for affordable housing and housing stability throughout Chester County.

Recently, members of Friends Association took their advocacy to state legislators in Harrisburg during Advocacy Day on May 5 and again at a Day on the Hill event in June.

The urgency of that work is reflected in the numbers.

Chester County Impact

According to housing advocates, Chester County has had only a one percent increase in total rental units in the past five years, while the number of rental units available for less than $1,500 per month has dropped by more than 12,000 units.

“Chester County needs to redefine what affordability means. Gone are the days of income-based housing and rent set at price points below $2,000, but we need to look at how we can get those days back,” said Sydney Grant, Housing Stability Case Management/Court Coordinator for Friends Association.

At the same time, a growing number of seniors are experiencing housing instability.

More than a quarter of Chester County households earn too much to qualify for many forms of assistance, but don’t earn enough to comfortably afford basic necessities.

That’s according to the PA Housing Action Plan 2026-2035, the DVRPC  Housing Affordability Tracking, and the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Housing affordability is not just a housing issue. It affects workforce development, education, health outcomes, family stability, and economic mobility throughout the community.

House Bill 1095

Friends Association staff members met with state lawmakers to discuss legislative solutions to keep people housed and expand housing opportunities across Pennsylvania.

One priority was House Bill 1095, championed by State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El.

The legislation would seal eviction records after seven years, or immediately when a court rules in favor of a tenant. That action would prevent a single filing from creating long-term barriers to housing, employment, and financial stability.

The bill passed the Pennsylvania House. It is awaiting action in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 2109

 Advocates also discussed House Bill 2109, which would modernize municipal occupancy regulations.

The Bill would help protect shared households, cooperative living arrangements, and non-traditional families from unnecessary housing barriers.

Supporters believe the measure could help more residents remain in stable housing while it expands housing flexibility in local communities.

Legislator Meetings

Friends Association representatives also met with State Rep. Dan Williams, Majority Chair of the House Human Services Committee. He has expressed support for both HB 1095 and HB 2109.

Rep. Williams also highlighted the importance of raising wages to help working families keep pace with rising housing costs, emphasizing the connection between income growth and long-term housing stability.

Affordable Housing Options

Beyond protecting current residents, advocacy efforts also focused on expanding affordable housing opportunities.

Legislative proposals discussed included measures to streamline housing development, support accessory dwelling units, reduce regulatory barriers, and strengthen Pennsylvania’s Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund, which provides critical resources for affordable housing development and preservation.

While Friends Association continues to provide direct support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, the organization also recognizes that lasting change requires addressing the systemic challenges that create housing instability in the first place.

“What used to be affordable housing is no longer affordable! The trajectory has to change. We must change its trajectory to create pathways to housing stability, economic mobility, and stronger communities,” said Friends Association staffer Daphne Miller, who attended the Day on the Hill event.

Through advocacy, community partnerships, and direct service, Friends Association remains committed to helping ensure that Chester County is a place where every individual and family has the opportunity to find stability, security, and a place to call home.

The Work of the Friends Association

The Need.

• Lack of affordable housing is the primary cause of homelessness.
• Median rent increased 15 percent in six years, from $1,393 to $1,601.
• Approximately 313 individuals experience homelessness on any given night.
• 2,642 children were identified as experiencing homelessness in 2024.

Friends Association Program Results.

• 1,081 individuals served.
• 100  percent of Housing Stability Case Management families maintained housing.
• 66 percent of Eviction Prevention Case Resolution cases had favorable outcomes.
• 95 percent of Family Center families transitioned to stable housing.

How to Join & Support Friends Association

Volunteer.

• Preparing shelter housing.
• Cooking meals.
• Baking birthday cakes.
• Supporting family programs.
• Helping make a meaningful difference for families in need.

Donate.

Online: friendsassoc.org

By Check:

Friends Association

825 Paoli Pike

West Chester, PA 19380

Find out more about the programs run by the Friends Association.