West Chester, Pa (January 14, 2025) –Three organizations in Chester County will receive nearly $265,000 in funding to improve food security, reduce and prevent homelessness, and revitalize communities, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announce.

The investment was awarded through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which provides tax credits to businesses that help low-income individuals and improve distressed areas in Pennsylvania communities.

The funding, approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), is as follows:

  • $237,250 for the Chester County Food Bank to address challenges to food access, like rising costs, by distributing more than 4 million pounds of food (at least half of which is fresh fruits and vegetables) to people and families in need.
  • $18,000 for the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance for the Coatesville Culinary Collective, an outlet for entrepreneurs from diverse cultural backgrounds to develop their food products and bring them to market. The Alliance aims to foster culinary entrepreneurship, community collaboration, and economic growth by providing an affordable, code-compliant location and access to specialized equipment.
  • $9,000 for Safe Harbor of Chester County to support 150 residents annually with individualized plans connecting them to healthcare, job training, and housing resources. The Intensive Housing Case Management aims to help residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency by securing employment and stable housing.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Program is a way for businesses to contribute directly to the success, growth, and revitalization of local communities,” Comitta said. “Providing families with access to healthy food, offering people stable housing, and giving entrepreneurs opportunities to pursue their dreams, helps energize growth and support a strong quality of life throughout Chester County.”

The NAP has five main components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), Charitable Food Program (CFP), and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP). 

The Chester County Food Bank investment came through the CFP. Support for the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance and Safe Harbor of Chester County was provided through the SPP.

The Chester County investments come as part of the $34.3 million in total NAP support awarded to 218 projects across the Commonwealth, including 61 in the southeast region.

“The Shapiro Administration knows that when local communities are healthy and vibrant, Pennsylvania thrives,” said Pennsylvania DCED Secretary Rick Siger.

This year’s state budget, which Comitta supported and voted for, doubled the funding for the NAP from $36 million to $72 million, allowing for two rounds of awards.

In the fall, $65,000 in NAP funding was awarded to Kennett Area Community Service to support the construction of a new facility and $142,000 was awarded to the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance to support the revitalization of the city’s downtown business district.