Chesco program aims to house veterans

WEST CHESTER Chester County has again pledged to house at least 100 veterans in 100 days, after housing 102 vets in the same initiative last year.

The initiative is part of a national push to find affordable housing for the country's estimated 50,000 homeless veterans.

It also plays into the county's 10-year plan to prevent and end homelessness within its borders.

The county launched its latest initiative this week to work with community, county and federal agencies to house 100 veterans by June 3.

Last year, the county worked in coordination with Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Chester County housed 102 veterans between March 17 and June 27.

"We believe we need to do this again," said Dale Gravett, executive director of the Housing Authority of Chester County. "The momentum of it really produces some great response."

Gravett said landlords with affordable and available units may contact the housing locator service at mkucherich@haccnet.org to be added to the landlord database.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R., Pa), a member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, said Chester County's initiative to house veterans will go a long way in fulfilling the country's commitment to men and women who have served in the military. - Michaelle Bond