Safe Harbor seeks borough support, proposes three‑story expansion to add transitional units

Safe Harbor of Chester County asked the Westchester Smart Growth Committee on June 11 for tentative borough support and a draft letter to back schematic design work for a proposed three‑story expansion above the shelter’s adjacent parking lot.

The request, delivered by Executive Director Jessica Chappell and Ruby Abareya, senior director of finance and growth, seeks initial endorsement so Safe Harbor can proceed with schematic design and pursue grants. “We are very committed to serving Westchester,” Chappell told the committee.

Nut graf: The nonprofit operates a 40‑bed shelter for single adults on Matlax Street, provides roughly 43,000 meals annually and serves about 150 unduplicated individuals each year. The expansion would add transitional units and program space to increase housing capacity by “over 50%,” provide wraparound services and create space for partner nonprofit services, Safe Harbor said. Abareya estimated the full renovation would cost about $5,000,000 and said roughly $2,000,000 in grant applications were pending.

Chappell described the shelter’s shift toward intensive, trauma‑informed programming — including a therapeutic day program, job readiness and a savings program — to reduce returns to homelessness. She said Safe Harbor’s current outcome metric shows about 82% of residents exit to permanent supportive housing, and that 67% of current residents were working during the month reported.

Abareya outlined the proposed building: a first floor with roughly six flexible transitional units and expanded support facilities (kitchen, laundry and separate shower/locker areas), a second floor to increase sleeping capacity by about half, and rooftop solar and a garden. She said Safe Harbor owns both its existing building and the adjacent parking lot and is prepared to invest an initial $45,000 for renderings and schematics as it seeks full funding.

Committee members and staff generally praised Safe Harbor’s programs and encouraged coordination with borough planning and permitting staff. The committee did not take a formal vote; members asked Safe Harbor to draft a letter of support and submit it to the committee for consideration. “Ruby, you draft the letter, send it to us, and we’ll — that way, you know what you need in order to satisfy your grantors,” one committee member said.

Ending: Safe Harbor invited committee members and staff to tour the facility. The organization said it will return with schematic drawings and requested collaboration during planning and zoning phases as it seeks discretionary approvals and grant funding.