ConnectPoints lists contact numbers for those seeking shelters in Chester County

ConnectPoints works with county funded agencies to help people find housing services to fit their needs.

WEST CHESTER – ConnectPoints, Chester County’s new Homeless Coordinated Assessment System will be operational on Monday, July 1.

ConnectPoints will list contact information for emergency shelter or housing services in the county. Anyone can log onto the website or call the toll free number (800) 935-3181.

“The ConnectPoints makes it easier for those needing housing help,” said Chester County Commissioner Chair Ryan Costello.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said ConnectPoints is another step for the Decade to Doorways program.

“This is a plan to prevent and end homelessness in the county in the next decade,” she explained.

Commissioner Terence Farrell explained the importance of centralized information about housing services in the county.

“We’ve approved a contract for 18 months with Family Service of Chester County to implement ConnectPoints,” Farrell said. “The program fulfills a United States Housing and Urban Development requirement that all communities receiving federal funding have a central coordinated access point.”

ConnectPoints is a single point of entry to access emergency shelter beds, real time knowledge of available shelter beds across the county, and prevention and diversion services to keep people from entering the homeless system.