Love Your Neighbor: A Valentine's Day Call for Affordable Housing in Montgomery and Chester Counties
Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic love, but it is also an opportunity to
reflect on the broader concept of love—the love we share with our neighbors and
community. A warm and safe home is one of the most basic expressions of care and
dignity, yet many of our neighbors struggle to find affordable housing. This Valentine’s
Day let’s expand the definition of love to include advocating for attainable housing and
community support for all.
The Housing Challenge
Both Montgomery and Chester Counties have seen a sharp rise in housing costs, making
it increasingly difficult for individuals in all stages of life to afford a place to live. Essential
workers, aging family members, young professionals, and college graduates all face
barriers to securing stable housing. The “Homes for All” initiative in Montgomery County
addresses these challenges by promoting a variety of high-quality, affordable homes
and encouraging collaboration between local governments, businesses, developers,
and residents to make housing more accessible. Similarly, Chester County is grappling
with its own affordable housing crisis. The combination of increasing property values
and limited affordable housing stock has left many residents struggling to find stable
and affordable places to live.
Housing Is a Matter of Loving Your Neighbor
Loving our neighbors isn’t just about kind words, it’s about action. A secure home
provides more than just shelter; it creates stability, supports mental and physical well-
being, and fosters stronger communities. Without affordable housing, families face
difficult choices between paying rent and affording basic necessities like food,
healthcare, and education.
Valentine’s Day is an ideal time to reflect on the ways we can contribute to a more
compassionate society. Supporting more affordable housing initiatives in Montgomery
and Chester Counties is a direct way to show love to the people in our communities.
Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or donating to local housing organizations,
every action taken brings us closer to a world where no one has to choose between
having a home and meeting other basic needs. Loving your neighbor is all about YIMBY
(YES! In my back yard).
Making a Difference
Petra Community Housing manages affordable rental housing for low-income families,
seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to
live. Petra is also collaborating with Chester County Department of Community
Development, the Borough of Phoenixville and several local organizations to create
more rental units and opportunities for first-time low-income homebuyers.
You Can Help
This Valentine’s Day, consider taking action to spread love in a meaningful way:
- Volunteer Your Time – Many organizations rely on volunteers to help build homes, provide financial literacy training, or assist with community outreach.
- Support Policy Changes – Advocate for policies that promote affordable housing and tenant protections in your community.
- Donate to Housing Organizations – Financial contributions help sustain programs that provide essential housing support to those in need.
- Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about the housing challenges facing Montgomery and Chester Counties and share information with friends, family, and community leaders.
Valentine’s Day Resolution for Our Communities
As we celebrate love this Valentine’s Day, let’s extend that love to our neighbors who
are struggling with housing insecurity. Working to ensure that all our neighbors have
access to a safe, affordable place to call home is one of the most powerful ways we can
show kindness and solidarity. By supporting housing initiatives in both Chester and
Montgomery Counties, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of many,
strengthening our communities and embodying the true spirit of love. This year let’s
make Valentine’s Day more than just chocolates and flowers—let’s make it about taking
action for a better, more compassionate future.