2020 was the 25th anniversary of Safe Harbor opening in its permanent location at 20 N. Matlack St. West Chester, PA 19380. Now as we are looking to the future we still want to reflect on this milestone and share our story.
In 1992 a task force was created by local politicians and community members, to help our homeless neighbors. For several years, Safe Harbor existed in the form of a traveling shelter with space provided by many faith-based organizations in the area. Then, in December 1995, Safe Harbor opened its doors at its current location as a “low-demand” shelter, which means no one who needed help would be turned away, as long as space was available.
In 2007, the Single Homeless Women’s Task Force was created because there had been a steadily rising need to provide services to homeless single women in our community. It was determined that Safe Harbor had the only 4 beds in all of Chester County available for single homeless women. So, Safe Harbor agreed to take on a major expansion to meet the need for sheltering single women. In March of 2010, we opened our doors in our renovated two-story building and within a few weeks, a total of 20 women and 20 men were staying at the shelter.
For 25 years the mission of Safe Harbor 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. We are able to continue this mission because of your support. Please consider donating today