SAFE HARBOR OF GREATER WEST CHESTERProviding Shelter and Encouragement for the Homeless |
HomeProgramMission and Goals
|
Community ImpactPrior to the establishment of Safe Harbor's low-demand shelter in 1992, homeless people routinely slept along the streets and alleys of West Chester. They were tired, frustrated, hungry and had no alternatives to help themselves. There was also ongoing conflict with merchants, community leaders and the police.Not only does Safe Harbor provide the opportunities the homeless need, it has helped to raise the community's awareness of the plight of these individuals and removed the tensions that existed. Many local businesses not only support our program; they find among our residents a pool of ready and willing workers looking for another chance to regain their self-respect and independence. Without the presence of Safe Harbor, there would be no option for many of these people and a beacon of light that has served the homeless in this affluent community of Chester County would be extinguished. Impact on Target PopulationOur target population is the chronic, marginal and transitionally homeless people of Chester County and the surrounding areas. Safe Harbor serves homeless people who have lost their jobs and/or homes as well as the working poor. We are especially open to the most hopeless among the homeless community: those with addictions or mental health issues who are too unstable for other shelters or programs in the area.Safe Harbor impacts individuals in various ways. For each person coming to our shelter, the volunteers and staff are a constant reminder that their lives are valued. The support each resident receives also introduces him or her to the resources that are available to them from addiction treatment to job training to health care. Our program seeks to empower individuals by encouraging them to continue to use the services available to help them towards their recovery. The most importance impact is to show people how to be responsible for themselves and to change their lifestyles and habits so that they can maintain their self-esteem and independence. ©2003-2005 Safe Harbor of Greater West Chester
|