Sheltering Our Homeless Neighbors and Caring for Their Needs with Jessica Chappell

Despite the great wealth in Chester County, homelessness is a significant and persistent local issue. We sit down with Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbor of Chester County, to explore how her team provides shelter, meals, and compassionate support to adults experiencing homelessness. Jessica walks us through the realities facing the financially at risk population, the growing challenges around attainable housing, and the trauma-informed approach that guides the organization’s work. We discuss Safe Harbor’s partnerships, volunteer network, and the systemic pressures shaping homelessness in our county.

OUR PARTNER

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce

LINKS

Safe Harbor of Chester County

• Website: safeharborofcc.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/safeharbor_ofchestercounty
• Facebook: facebook.com/safeharborofchestercounty
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-inc/
• Givebutter (Donations/Events): givebutter.com/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-inc

Local Nonprofits

• Chester County Food Bank
• West Chester Food Cupboard
• The Melton Center – 
• PA 211
• Act Now
• Camp Dreamcatcher
• Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County

Additional Links

• Better Than Bacon Improv
• Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center

Related Episodes

• Nurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty Hillkirk
• Supporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine Zaccarelli

Transcript

The full transcript will be posted on our site as soon as it is available.

Creators and Guests

EG

Host

Erik Gudmundson

LD

Host

Liam Dempsey

What is Start Local?

Start Local is focused on helping businesses and non-profits in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania, connect and grow together. Our aim is to bring together the many folks that make up our wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.