Why You Need This
Access to community resources is especially important now because many people are facing higher costs of living, increased mental health needs, and greater economic uncertainty. These resources provide essential support—from food and housing assistance to healthcare, childcare, and aging services—that help individuals and families stay stable, healthy, and connected. As daily challenges become more complex, community programs offer reliable guidance and practical help, ensuring people can navigate emergencies, meet basic needs, and maintain their overall well-being.
Community Resources are being collected for Berks, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties at this time and will be shared.
Chester County Community Resource Guide
The Chester County Community Resource Guide is a 19-page comprehensive directory of services and programs available to residents of Chester County, Pennsylvania, designed to connect individuals and families with support for housing, financial assistance, health, and community well-being.
Link to Resource Guide: Community Resources | Habitat for Humanity
Information it Provides
PA 211: Get Connected. Get Help.™
PA 211 is Pennsylvania’s free, statewide hotline and online resource that helps people find local services when they don’t know where to turn. By dialing 211, texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or searching online, you can connect with a trained specialist who will listen to your situation and link you to programs that offer help.
PA 211 provides information on housing and shelter, food assistance, utilities, mental health services, healthcare, childcare, employment, transportation, and more. It’s available 24/7, confidential, and designed to help people quickly access support in their community.
PA 211: Link
Link: Pennsylvania 211
The PA 211 resource guide provides a listing of resources available to Pennsylvania residents, including:
- Digital Navigation
- Crisis Hotlines
- Housing & Shelter
- Food
- Utilities
- Employment & Expenses
- Health
- Mental Health
- Clothing & Household
- Community Resources
- Disability Services
- Family Resources
- Legal Services
- Older Adults
- Reentry Resources
- Substance Use Disorder Services
- Transportation
Free Books to Children Under 5
Children under age 5, residing in Chester County, PA are eligible to receive a free book delivered to their home each month through the Chester County Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works with local affiliates to mail free, high-quality books to pre-school children once a month, no matter their family’s income.
Enroll your child today to help us build a stronger Chester County community, one book at a time.
Resources: Aging Services
Chester County Department of Aging Services in West Chester, PA
601 Westtown Road, Suite 320, Government Services, West Chester, PA 19380
Aging Services | Chester County, PA –
Link: Aging Services | Chester County
Who is Eligible?
Chester County residents aged 60 and over. Further eligibility determined during assessment.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local aging programs that provide information and services on a range of assistance for older adults and those who care for them. By contacting your local agency you get access to critical information including:
- Available services in your area
- Mobility assistance programs, meal plans & housing
- Assistance in gaining access to services
- Individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training
- Respite care
- Supplemental services, on a limited basis
State Agencies on Aging in Pennsylvania
- Doylestown – Bucks County Area Agency On Aging
- Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Department of Aging
- Pittsburgh – Allegheny County Area Agency On Aging
- Reading – Berks County Area Agency on Aging
Core Programs from Chester County Department of Aging Services
In-Home Care & Support Services
- OPTIONS Program: Helps adults age 60+ remain in their home with community-based support — like personal care, adult day care, meals, home support, transportation, and emergency response systems on a sliding-fee scale. Chester County
- Aging Waiver Program: Uses Medicaid waiver funds to provide long-term care at home instead of a nursing facility, including care planning and services based on medical needs. Chester County
- LIFE (Living Independence for the Elderly): A PACE-model program offering all-inclusive medical and support services in one coordinated plan. Chester County
Assessment & Transition Support
- Nursing Facility Assessments: Helps determine care needs and eligibility if nursing facility placement is needed. Chester County
- Nursing Home Transition: Assists people living in nursing homes who want help returning to community living. Chester County
Protection & Advocacy
- Ombudsman Program: Advocates for residents in long-term care to protect their rights and quality of care. Chester County
- Protective Services: Investigates reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of adults age 60+. Chester County
Caregiver Support
- Caregiver Support Program (CSP): Offers support to those caring for functionally dependent older adults, including reimbursements for services, training, counseling, and caregiver support groups. Chester County
- Grandparent / Intergenerational Caregiver Support: Helps adults age 55+ caring for grandchildren or relatives’ children with planning, support, and respite options. Chester County
Meals & Nutrition Support (Community Partners)
While not always directly county programs, several local organizations coordinate with aging services:
- Meals on Wheels of Chester County: Delivers nutritious meals to homebound older adults — often with support from the county Aging Department. Meals on Wheels of Chester County
- Senior Community Centers (e.g., Oxford, West Chester, Phoenixville): Provide meals, social activities, exercise classes (like SilverSneakers), health education, crafts, games, information & assistance, tech help, and Medicare guidance. oxfordseniors.org+1
Transportation & Social Engagement
- ChescoConnect: County transit service often used by older adults for rides to senior centers, appointments, and community activities. oxfordseniors.org
- Senior Center Activities: Many centers offer classes, recreational activities, group outings, health screenings, and volunteer opportunities. oxfordseniors.org
Information, Counseling, & Benefits Support
- Information & Referral: Chester County Aging Services will help connect older adults and caregivers with housing, legal help, financial aid, transportation, healthcare enrollment, and community resources. Chester County
- Medicare Counseling (PA MEDI): Certified counseling to help navigate Medicare plans (often available at senior centers and through county contacts). Pennsylvania Governor’s Office
How to Access These Programs
- Chester County Department of Aging Services is the primary contact point for county aging services (phone, email, or in-person). They conduct assessments and help connect people to services. Chester County
- Pennsylvania Department of Aging resources (for statewide programs like PACE, protection services, housing supports): available through your local Area Agency on Aging. Pennsylvania Governor’s Office
Local Senior Centers & Partners (Examples)
These community-based centers enhance older adults’ quality of life with activities and support:
- Oxford Area Senior Center — social programs, meals, fitness, Medicare help. oxfordseniors.org
- Phoenixville Area Senior Center — Medicare guidance, tax help, social engagement. phoenixvilleseniorcenter.org
- West Chester Area Senior Center — programming for adults 60+. West Chester Area Senior Center
- Brandywine Valley Active Aging — meal programs, fitness and wellness, nutrition, and support services. Chester County Community Foundation
