Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial distress, the WCU Resource Pantry can help. Please visit the WCU Pantry homepage to view our hours and to learn how our services work. Additionally, there are numerous organizations on campus and within the community able to help. Click the links below to get connected with free or affordable health care, clothing, groceries or meals. You also may be eligible to receive utility or rent assistance from a local agency or become enrolled in a government financial assistance program.
Free Groceries and Meals
This is an on-campus resource available to any WCU student. The Pantry offers non-perishable food items as well as fresh produce from the campus gardens. The Pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Wednesdays 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. over the summer. You do not need to bring anything with you. You will be asked to complete a simple form before shopping during your first visit.
Address: 715 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19383
Phone: 610-436-2378
Receive groceries and/or a meal. Breakfast is available Monday through Thursday and dinner is available Monday through Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday. You do not need to bring anything with you. Upon arrival, you will only be asked to sign in.
Address: 101 E. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-696-8746
This agency provides a free, hot lunch daily to low income individuals and families. Walk-ins are welcome.
Address: 20 N. Matlack Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-692-6550 | Email: Shelter@SafeHarborofGWC.Org
ACT in Faith
Here you can receive groceries, toiletries, and other household supplies.
Address: 212 S. High Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 484-324-8492 | Email: contact@actinfaithgwc.org
This agency provides groceries and toiletries. You will need to provide proof of residency (within Chester County). Contact the Resource Pantry if you need a letter of verification.
Address: 431 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-344-3175 | Email: wcfood@gmail.com
Receive a free, nutritious dinner every Friday evening from 4:00-8:00 PM. You may eat in or take out. Walk-ins are welcome.
Address: 212 S High Street, West Chester PA 19382
Phone: 610-696-4640
Baptist Church of West Chester
Receive free breakfast every Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
Address: 221 S High Street, West Chester PA 19382
Phone: 610-696-7466 | Email: secretary@bcwc.org
Health Care and Financial Assistance
Community Volunteers in Medicine
CVIM provides free health care to low income individuals who are uninsured. Services include general medicine, dental care, physical exams, health education, and more. After the first appointment, transportation is provided, if needed. Call for an initial eligibility assessment to see if you qualify.
Address: 300 B Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-836-5990
Chester County Assistance Office
This office provides case management services to enroll in government financial assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program), Medicaid, and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). They may also be able to assist with utility bill payments or locating affordable child care.
Address: 100 James Buchanan Drive, Thorndale, PA 19372-1132
Toll Free: 1-888-814-4698
Phone: 610-466-1000
LIHEAP 610-466-1042
LCH offers many bilingual services including affordable health care, case management, legal consultation, health insurance enrollment assistance, English as a Second Language classes, and citizenship classes.
Address: 731 Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Phone: 610-444-7550
Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County
MCHC is dedicated to serving the health needs of pregnant and parenting women, families, and children. The services include a Healthy Start program for kids, health insurance and benefits application assistance, transportation information, utility and rental assistance, as well as parenting education and life skills courses. Bilingual supports are available.
Address: 1001 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: 484-378-4030
This organization serves the needs of veterans. They can assist with eligibility and enrollment assistance for medical benefits, help you find employment, provide mental health counseling, as well as a wide range of health care options that include but are not limited to: physical therapy, primary care, and rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse.
Address: 1400 Blackhorse Hill Road, Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: 610-384-7711
West Chester Health Center (Planned Parenthood)
The health center accepts most insurance plans. If you do not have health insurance, affordable care options may be available. They provide primary health care, HIV/AIDS education and medicine, STD testing and vaccinations, birth control, pregnancy testing and services, and LGBTQ+ supports.
Address: 8 S Wayne Street, West Chester, PA 19382
Phone: 610-692-1770
Employment and Housing
The Career Link can assist you with finding employment. Through the United Way, they also provide Financial Stability services. This includes professional guidance to your finances and confidential counseling to overcoming barriers to financial and employment goals. You can also attend a free, one time legal clinic session, a job-seeker clinic, and/or basic computer tutoring. The Career Link will also complete your taxes for free.
Address: 479 Thomas Jones Way (Suite 500), Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 610-280-1010
ConnectPoints is an assessment program that provides resource recommendations for those facing homelessness or housing insecurity. After speaking with a support specialist, you may be able to find resources to avoid homelessness. If you are homeless, this organization will connect you with resources that provide safe shelter and stable housing.
Address: 1003 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: 1-800-935-3181 | Email: info@familyservice.us
On Campus Resources
Twardowski Career Development Center
The CDC can help you find employment. Schedule an appointment in person or on the phone to meet with a career counselor. During these appointments, you can build your resume, write a cover letter, practice a mock interview, or take an assessment to see what field is right for you. Their website also lists jobs that are available, on and off campus.
Phone: 610-436-2501 | cdc@wcupa.edu