How We Work

Chestnut Housing is unique among its local peers in several key ways. First, we were started by a local Mennonite church and remain closely affiliated with that congregation. We partner with local congregations who are ready and able to do more to create new housing solutions in our community.

Second, we are doers and we specialize in hands-on work with volunteers to keep our properties affordable. We have experience putting volunteers to work contributing hundreds of hours of donated labor to our previous projects, and we work closely with our builders to identify strategic ways volunteers can help lower construction costs.

Third, Chestnut Housing works with local social service agencies to provide person-based support to our residents. Our partners refer potential residents to us and support them through the application process. Agencies also agree to provide one year of case management support to clients successfully placed in CHC housing, and ongoing support as needed beyond the first year.

Finally, we partner with an experienced property management firm to provide professional expertise for the application process, rent collection, maintenance needs, and move-in and move-out logistics. Collaborating with Hershey Real Estate Services on all aspects of property management ensures our mission is carried out every day.