The Importance of Housing Stability for Children in the Summer

With the school year now over, summer often brings freedom, play, and new adventures for many children. However, for families facing housing instability, this season can mean uncertainty, stress, and greater vulnerability. Without the routine, supervision, and nutritious meals school provides, families without stable housing lose a vital anchor. Parents struggle to balance work and childcare with limited resources, often unable to afford summer camps or safe activities. For children, lacking a secure home disrupts more than schedules, hindering emotional growth, academic progress, and overall well-being.

Every child deserves a safe, stable home—a nurturing place where they can grow, dream, and play freely. Shelter is more than a basic need; it’s the foundation of a healthy childhood. When housing costs are manageable, parents can better provide for their children’s health, nutrition, and education. Children raised in permanent homes are likelier to engage in extracurricular activities, build strong relationships, stay in school, succeed academically, and pursue meaningful careers. 

In Chester County, housing that is affordable isn’t just a low-income issue; it’s a workforce issue. With housing prices soaring, many working individuals like teachers, first responders, nurses, and service workers are being priced out of the very communities they serve. These essential workers care for our loved ones, educate our children, and respond in emergencies, yet they often cannot afford to live where they work.

Homeownership: Building More Than Homes

At Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, we believe every hardworking family and individual deserves the chance to build a better life through homeownership. Through our Homeownership Program, we partner with families and individuals to build homes they can afford with income-appropriate mortgages. This isn’t a handout—it’s a hand-up. Homebuyers invest hundreds of hours of sweat equity, working alongside volunteers and attending financial education workshops. They earn more than just keys—they gain knowledge, skills, and pride. This model builds generational wealth, creating equity and financial security that families and individuals can pass down. 

Building Wealth, Building Community

As families build equity, they gain financial security and the ability to plan for the future, support their children’s education, invest in their health, and contribute meaningfully to their neighborhoods. Homeowners tend to be deeply rooted in their communities. They volunteer, support local businesses, vote, and form lasting connections with neighbors. 

At Habitat Chesco, we know homeownership is a catalyst for stronger neighborhoods. Each home is a building block toward a more inclusive, resilient, and vibrant Chester County, where every family can survive and thrive.

Meet Two New Homeowners: Alicia & Lisa

We’re honored to celebrate two incredible new homeowners who recently achieved their dream of homeownership. 

Alicia Buchanan had her home settlement on June 10th. A devoted mother to A’Zierr and Jayden, Alicia was recently honored as one of the 40 Vista Next Generation Superstars—a true inspiration.

“For us, owning a home is far more than just acquiring a property; it is about creating a sanctuary where my children can feel safe, secure, and cherished. It means providing them with a stable environment where they can grow, learn, and build lifelong memories. It is a place where they will have the freedom to be themselves, where laughter will echo through the walls, and where we can gather around the dinner table to share our days, our dreams, and our aspirations. This home represents stability, a sense of belonging, and the fulfillment of a dream I have carried in my heart for so long.”

Alicia Buchanan

Lisa Forrester had her home settlement in May and a dedication ceremony on June 11th. She shared this special moment with her granddaughter and is now opening the door to a future filled with hope and stability.

“It is still difficult to really believe we have a safe, secure place to call “home.” Habitat for Humanity, the volunteers, and the generous donors don’t just help to get houses built. They provide individuals with hope and stability, making the goal of owning a house achievable. This house then serves as a place where memories are made. My heart is filled with deep gratitude to the volunteers, construction team, and generous donors who may not realize how much of an impact they make in people’s lives.”

Lisa Forrester

We proudly support these amazing women as they begin this new chapter.

Get Involved This Summer

There are many ways you can make a difference with Habitat Chesco:

• Make a one-time donation or join our Square Foot Club, a flexible monthly giving program that helps us plan, buy materials, and build secure homes. Your automatic gift of any amount can be changed or canceled anytime.

• Volunteer to support our ReStores, builds, events, or community outreach efforts.

• Shop at or donate to our ReStores in Caln and Phoenixville to keep perfectly good items out of landfills and fuel our mission.

• Raise awareness about the need for stable housing in our community.

• Advocate for policies that create housing opportunities for all.

As we enjoy summer’s warmth and energy, let’s extend our hearts to those who need us most. By supporting Habitat Chesco, you ensure every child has a safe, secure place to call home—a place to rest, grow, and dream of a brighter future.