Open Hearth, a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving Chester County and portions of Montgomery County, PA provides innovative programs to help people end the cycle of homelessness and achieve financial self-sufficiency. Through its own direct provision of services, as well as an established network of other nonprofits, Open Hearth supports and empowers people as they acquire affordable housing, a means of transportation and financial viability. Open Hearth was originally formed in 1989 as a local grassroots committee to assure equal housing opportunities for people who are traditionally isolated and systematically denied opportunities due to their mental, emotional or physical disabilities. Over the years, our organization has grown and evolved to serve residents of Chester and western Montgomery County, Pennsylvania who are considered the most vulnerable, including low-income households, people with disabilities, single parents, the elderly, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. We believe our greatest strengths are staying abreast of emerging issues and best practices and then developing programs and effective partnerships to meet the needs of the community we serve. Our goal is to confront the economic and social barriers that prevent large segments of our society from achieving their dream of a safe and stable place to live and a life of self sufficiency and independence.