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Our Services

The Atkinson is currently the only agency in Chester County that can offer a continuum of housing that runs from an emergency shelter through to permanent housing for single men. The agency is unique in that its shelter staff is comprised predominantly of former shelter residents. Its Core Values consist of the following: (1) Preserving the Legacy of Dr. Whittier C. Atkinson, (2) The Integrity of Program Delivery and Partnerships, (3) Holistic Community Health, (4) An Environment of Hope, (5) Community Partnership, (6) Client Participation, and (7) Cultural Diversity.

Transitional Housing

Two homes adjacent to the “Atkinson Center” have been rehabilitated into transitional housing. Three men (one man per bedroom) share each of the homes. Men that are moving toward self-sufficiency, yet need additional support (like time to build up their credit) are invited to transfer from the shelter to the transitional homes. The men work, pay a rental fee and usually continue their meals at the shelter.

Permanent Housing

Three townhouses built by AMSCI and located one block from the Atkinson Center are supportive homes to eight men. These men either work or are on long term disability. They continue supportive services with an assigned case manager and an on-site facilities manager. Although these homes are “permanent housing” we desire to see the men live completely independent and attain home ownership or an independent living house or apartment.

Hope for a New Life

Atkinson has successfully operated a shelter at the current site since January 1992. We are grateful to report major changes in the lives of men whom have re-united with family, others have maintained long term jobs, many have found permanent housing, a few have returned to a training or higher education program. Others have received disability and still others are now drug and alcohol free. Many continue to struggle, and we are there for them.

Get to Know W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Services Center

AMSCI Overview

Sunday, 14 September 2014 18:54

In February of 1989, a community representative Board of Directors was formed to address the increasing need for community-member em

Men's Shelter

Saturday, 06 September 2014 16:48

The Long Road Home From Shelter to Permanent Housing Shelter for Homeless Men The 22 bed emergency-temporary shelter is the entry level of a prog

Our History

Saturday, 09 August 2014 21:14

History In the winter of 1983, members of the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of Coatesville met with the County of Chester Office of Housing an

About Us

Saturday, 09 August 2014 21:07

The W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Services Center, among other services it provides, is a 22 bed emergency and temporary shelter. It i

Recent Events

Take a look at some of our recent events. Each category shares a story of who we are and what we are doing here at W.C. Atkinson. Better yet, Join Us on our next event!

Contact Details

P.O. Box 329
822 East Chestnut Street
Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320
Telephone: (610) 380-6193

Our Mission

W.C. Atkinson's mission is to enhance neighborhood revitalization by providing community resources, referrals and housing for lower income families, and shelter for homeless men in the greater Coatesville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. area; and to promote a healthy lifestyle through education, prevention, supportive, and cultural services.

Testimonials

If you were to tell me 3 years ago that I would be homeless I would have laughed and told you that would be impossible. I was affluent. I lived in an beautiful home and drove wonderful cars. Then I became deathly ill. I was hospitalized and couldn't work. I lost my medical insurance and ended up having to sell off my assets to pay my medical expenses. And yes I became homeless. I lived in my car... View More..
If you were to tell me 3 years ago that I would be homeless I would have laughed and told you that would be impossible. I was affluent. I lived in an beautiful home and drove wonderful cars. Then I became deathly ill. I was hospitalized and couldn't work. I lost my medical insurance and ended up having to sell off my assets to pay my medical expenses. And yes I became homeless. I lived in my car for a few nights and a friend of mine talked me into calling ConnectPoints who could find me a bed and feed me a few times a day. This is how I ended up at the Atkinson Men's Shelter. The Atkinson Men's Shelter did indeed give me shelter. But it also gave me the breathing room and space to find myself again. By providing a safe environment in which to live I was able to finally stop feeling sorry for myself and to start helping people who were worse off than me. At this point in my life I feel as if I can and do have a fresh start. I feel confident enough to use my life skills to help others and that in itself is a wonderful thing. Thank You Atkinson!

Bob L.
I initially came to Atkinson in June of 2013 after continued legal issues with Chester County left my personal/business assets frozen. After moving to the shelter I was able to establish a new starting point as I could not get the appropriate attention to my concerns with Chester County. Atkinson enabled me the time to gather my thoughts, both legally and professionally, to position myself for a... View More..
I initially came to Atkinson in June of 2013 after continued legal issues with Chester County left my personal/business assets frozen. After moving to the shelter I was able to establish a new starting point as I could not get the appropriate attention to my concerns with Chester County. Atkinson enabled me the time to gather my thoughts, both legally and professionally, to position myself for a court case with the county in June 2014 to address outstanding issues. After a successful trial and brief stay in Chester County Prison, Atkinson took me back as part of my release program. The shelter again allowed me to continue the path agreed to with my Judge and the District Attorney's office.

Atkinson's program with the due diligence and oversight of the various offices have allayed all of the County's concerns. The judge has approved the release of my funds and I will be leaving shortly. I was able to accomplish at Atkinson closure in one year on the issues I could not receive negligible attention to in three years at another facility.

Anonymous
“Thanks to the Atkinson Men’s Shelter staff and administration, I am now proud to say that I am currently working two jobs, I own a car for which I paid cash outright, I have my own apartment, and [I] am raising a kitten named Katie (alias). I also now have the hope of regaining custody of my son …ending his involvement in the foster care system.” “Thank you…for offering me a place... View More..
“Thanks to the Atkinson Men’s Shelter staff and administration, I am now proud to say that I am currently working two jobs, I own a car for which I paid cash outright, I have my own apartment, and [I] am raising a kitten named Katie (alias). I also now have the hope of regaining custody of my son …ending his involvement in the foster care system.” “Thank you…for offering me a place to stay when I needed it most, believed [sic] in me when I couldn’t even believe in myself, and offering me the assistance I needed to get back on my feet and work toward a bright and happy future for myself and my little boy.”

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