Long-Term Emergency Housing

The Purcell House at Ann’s Heart

Program Overview How to Apply Ways to Support Purcell Story

A Pathway to Stability and Independence

The Purcell House provides long-term emergency housing and comprehensive services designed to support independent housing success. Located in the heart of Phoenixville, this program offers a safe, supportive environment where guests can focus on rebuilding stability, developing life skills, and preparing for permanent housing.

Guests may stay for up to 22 months, allowing time to address barriers, strengthen financial stability, and work toward long-term independence with the support of dedicated staff and community partners.

The Purcell House is just 100 yards from the Route 99 bus stop and a two-minute walk from Downtown Phoenixville, providing easy access to employment opportunities, community resources, and local services.

The Purcell House is Ann's Heart's newest response to housing instability in our community. Through our Long-Term Emergency Housing (LTEH) Program, individuals experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis can access safe, stable housing for an extended period while working closely with case managers to secure income, benefits, employment, and permanent housing. Unlike traditional emergency shelter models that often focus on short-term stays, the Purcell House is designed to provide the time, support, and stability people need to rebuild their lives and move toward lasting independence.

Today, we are launching a $200,000 campaign to sustain and operate the Purcell House during its first year of service. These funds will support staffing, case management, utilities, household essentials, maintenance, and the daily operations that make housing stability possible. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Purcell Family, we have a match of up to $50,000.

Together, we can ensure that the Purcell House is more than a building—we can create a place of safety, dignity, and hope for neighbors facing some of life's most difficult circumstances.

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What the Purcell House Offers

Guests at The Purcell House receive more than a place to stay - they gain access to comprehensive support designed to promote stability and independence.

Program supports include:

Up to 22 months of long-term emergency housing in a newly renovated, fully staffed home
Individualized case management and goal planning
Connections to community resources and supportive services
Coordinated Entry through Chester County for eligible guests
Counseling services
GED program support
Employment and job training connections
Housing savings program to help guests prepare for independent housing
Life skills training, including budgeting, cooking, and home maintenance
Freshly prepared meals daily
SOAR SSI/SSDI application assistance

Our goal is to ensure each guest leaves the program with the tools, support network, and financial readiness needed to secure and maintain permanent housing.

Who We Serve

Through our Long-Term Emergency Housing program, Ann’s Heart serves adults who:

Are experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Are ready to work toward stable, independent housing
Can benefit from structured support, case management, and life skills development
Have a connection to the greater Phoenixville community

Eligible guests can apply for the program by filling out an application and submitting it to the Housing team. (Applications not yet open.)

At The Purcell House, we focus on supporting guests who are ready to take the next steps toward building stability, strengthening financial independence, and securing permanent housing.

How to Apply

If you are interested in being considered for the Long-Term Emergency Housing program:

Review the program eligibility requirements
Complete the preliminary application
Eligible applicants may be referred through Chester County Coordinated Entry

More information and application launch coming soon.

If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk, please contact the Human Needs Network to be connected to shelter and other supportive services.

Call or Text 2-1-1 for assistance.

How to Support

The Purcell House is made possible through the generosity of our community. Your support helps provide safe housing, nutritious meals, and the resources guests need to move toward stable, independent living.

There are many ways to help make a lasting impact.

Make a Gift

Financial contributions help sustain the daily operations of The Purcell House and ensure guests have access to housing, meals, and supportive services throughout their stay.

Your donation helps support:

Safe, stable housing for guests
Freshly prepared daily meals
Case management and supportive services
Life skills and employment programming
Household supplies and program needs

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteers play an important role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for guests.

Opportunities may include:

Preparing or serving meals
Supporting life skills workshops
Assisting with house projects or maintenance
Helping with employment readiness or mentoring

Donate Supplies

Donations of household items and program supplies help create a comfortable, welcoming home for guests.

Common needs may include:

Household supplies and cleaning items
Kitchen essentials
Personal care items
Bedding and linens
Gift cards

Donate

Volunteer

Wish List

John C. "Jack" Purcell

1949 - 2024

Jack was a beloved member of the community whose love for Phoenixville came second only to his love and adoration for his wonderful wife Lorraine and their four incredible children, Jack, Brian, Julia, and Rob. A longtime employee of The Hankin Group and a member of the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation (PAEDCO,) Jack was a catalyst for the rebirth of one of Phoenixville's most iconic buildings, The Phoenixville Foundry.

Jack was quiet and kind, with an infectious smile and a joy that brightened the lives of so many. He cared deeply about serving the Phoenixville community, and his passing left all those who knew him with a profound sense of loss.

Ann's Heart is honored to carry forward his legacy and keep his spirit of service to others alive.