LOCATED
20 N. Matlack Street West Chester, PA 19380
OUR GOALS
Safe Harbor’s goal reaches beyond just feeding the homeless and providing housing. We seek to understand each person’s background, define short term action plans designed to address his or her challenges and needs, and monitor his or her progress. Our goal is to help rebuild lives and life skills, reestablish self-esteem, and help people overcome the issues that prevent them from leading independent, productive lives.
OUR MISSION
Safe Harbor is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to provide housing, food and access to support services in a structured environment for homeless single men and homeless single women in Chester County.
OUR VISION
Safe Harbor will be there to support our neighbors in need until they have a place to call home.
BACKGROUND
Begun in 1992 upon Chester County Commissioner Andy Dinniman’s call for a Task Force to address issues of homelessness.
Permanent shelter opened on December 22, 1995 housing 20 single homeless men and 4 women.
First year served 146 men and 9 women. In 2012, 305 unduplicated men and women were served.
Since 1995, has provided over 149,000 nights (based on 95% occupancy) of support for hundreds of single homeless men and single homeless women.
120 day stay limit increased from 90 days in 2010.
2010 – doubled capacity to support 20 single homeless men and 20 single homeless women.
2013 – Began participation in Chester County’s Decade to Doorways program. Calling the toll-free number 1-800-935-3181 will provide assistance to those in need of shelter
SERVICES
Clean bed, laundry, shower facilities, clothing and personal hygiene supplies in a safe, clean and stable environment.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided every day for shelter residents.
On-site counseling and case management services.
Collaboration with other human services agencies including: job training referral and employment placement; weekly life skills training (i.e. conflict resolution, banking/budgeting, etc.); and, access to health, financial, and legal aid services.
Lunch for 30-50 low and no income men, women, and children from the community 6 days each week, 7 days during the winter months from 11:30am until 12:30pm. (Sundays only during the winter months)
Official warming and cooling station for Chester County during the winter and summer months whenever the temperature is below 35° or above 85°
OPERATING BUDGET
Approaching $1 million annually
Approximate % of Giving: Government 12%; Faith Communities 6%; Individuals 12%; Corporate & United Ways 16%; Grants & Charitable Foundations 27%; Fundraising Events 19%
Cost to provide shelter for one person – $45 per day / $1350 per month
Value of in kind donations $137,000 annually
BOARD/STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
18 Board members; 20 staff members including the Chief Executive Officer
Over 400 volunteers provide 13,330+ volunteer hours annually, which equates to close to $300,000 per year in savings