"Thank you for the assisted living I have received these past two years. It has given me amazing life experience and opportunity to grow." - Former Housing Program Client
History of BCHG
In the mid 1970s, a group of concerned community members noted that there was a growing number of homeless individuals in Bucks County, and they lobbied for the county government to support the establishment of a homeless shelter in Bucks. The first homeless shelter in Bucks County was opened in Penndel in 1979, at which point Bucks County Housing Group was incorporated to assist families and individuals on their journey from homelessness to permanent housing.
| History of Bucks County Housing Group |
Mission Statement
Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) works to advance the interests of people with low-moderate income and people in crisis through the provision of affordable housing and related social services.
| BCHG Mission Statement |
BCHG Success Story
A success story from one of our Supportive Housing Program families:
The family of 6 moved into our Supportive Housing Program from the local emergency shelter. Dad found employment at a local store, mom has applied for disability due to medical issues. The family was able to pay off a large amount of their debt while in the shelter, including past due traffic tickets, which allowed Mom to get her suspended license reinstated. The older kids were able to attend summer camp and the youngest child was enrolled in Early Head Start, working to ensure his development is on track. The family obtained a Section 8 voucher and just yesterday signed a lease on their new apartment. While they were at the shelter dad had been walking over a mile to and from work each day. With the money they have been able to save during their time in the shelter he was able to purchase a reliable used car, which means he will be able to keep his job and commute from their new home. When the family moves, this will be the first time in over two years they will be housed together in their own home.
The family of 6 moved into our Supportive Housing Program from the local emergency shelter. Dad found employment at a local store, mom has applied for disability due to medical issues. The family was able to pay off a large amount of their debt while in the shelter, including past due traffic tickets, which allowed Mom to get her suspended license reinstated. The older kids were able to attend summer camp and the youngest child was enrolled in Early Head Start, working to ensure his development is on track. The family obtained a Section 8 voucher and just yesterday signed a lease on their new apartment. While they were at the shelter dad had been walking over a mile to and from work each day. With the money they have been able to save during their time in the shelter he was able to purchase a reliable used car, which means he will be able to keep his job and commute from their new home. When the family moves, this will be the first time in over two years they will be housed together in their own home.
| Success Story |
Key Staff Profiles
| Key Staff Bios 2018.docx |
Erik Clare, Executive Director
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Executive Director: Erik Clare
Mr. Clare joined BCHG as Director of Development in April of 2015 and most recently served as Interim Executive Director before being named Executive Director. He joined BCHG with extensive experience in the private, non-profit and public sectors specializing in major gifts, annual giving, special events, communications and comprehensive campaign management. Mr. Clare has previously worked for two Congressmen, a State Representative, various academic and non-profit organizations, and the President of the United States. As Executive Director he functions as BCHG’s Chief Executive Officer responsible for implementation of polices set by the Board of Directors. Mr. Clare provides program, fiscal, strategic planning, human resources, development and other oversight. He holds a BA in Political Science from Norwich University – The Military College of Vermont and will graduate in December 2018 with a MS in Nonprofit Leadership from LaSalle University. |
Michelle Rich-Bonn, Director of Development and Communications
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Director of Development and Communications: Michelle Rich-Bonn
Ms. Rich-Bonn serves as the Director of Development and Communications for Bucks County Housing Group. Recently joining the BCHG family in 2021, she brings extensive knowledge and experience in non-profit development and fundraising, as well as corporate development. Ms. Rich-Bonn will be responsible for all current and future aspects of development and communications, expanding the outreach and impact of the Mission of Bucks County Housing Group. She is a life-long resident of Bucks County, as well as a Bucks County community volunteer, school volunteer and sports coach. Ms. Rich-Bonn graduated Magna Cum Laude from Temple University. |
Sherry Pace, Housing Counseling Program Manager
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Housing Counseling Manager: Sherry Pace
Ms. Pace has been at BCHG since 1999. She is widely recognized in Bucks County for her expertise in pre-purchase housing counseling. She has facilitated hundreds of families' becoming homeowners in this county. A number of her former clients have returned to thank Sherry for the invaluable help she provided to them as they approached this milestone in their lives. Sherry holds national certifications for housing counseling and education and has an associate's degree from Montgomery County Community College. |
Susan O'Neil, Rental Manager
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Rental Manager: Susan O'Neil
Ms. O'Neil has been with Bucks County Housing Group since 2002, and worked in several positions at the agency before ultimately becoming BCHG's rental manager in October of 2015. As the rental manager, she handles tenant move-ins and move-outs, keeps area agencies up to date with any apartment availabilities takes care of HUD and PHFA paperwork. |
Madelaine Burgess, Community Food Pantry Coordinator
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Community Food Pantry Coordinator: Madelaine Burgess
Ms. Burgess became the Food Pantry Coordinator in 2014 and is responsible for the oversight of the three BCHG pantries, part time team members and our dedicated pantry volunteers. The purpose of the pantries is to aid those suffering from food insecurity. The pantry team strives to provide healthy and nourishing food to our clients and works closely with area grocery stores, other agencies, faith and civic groups, and many other private and generous donors. |
BCHG Financial Information
| BCHG Form 990 |
Statistics
| Homelessness in Bucks County Statistics.docx |
BCHG Logo
| BCHG Logo.pdf |
| BCHG Logo (SQUARE) |
| BCHG Alternative Logo.jpg |
EIN # 23-187-8791
| 501c3.pdf |