The 2026 ACC Nickels For Neighbors grant will be given to Chestnut Housing which provides affordable rental housing to people experiencing homelessness. The organization connects people and communities of faith with tangible ways to create more affordable homes in Lancaster.
For more than a decade Chestnut Housing has been providing quality housing to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, and to supporting affordable housing solutions in Lancaster County. What began as an outreach of East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church in response to neighbors experiencing housing and food insecurity has grown has grown to a dynamic, independent nonprofit organization providing over 50 affordable apartments and homes in our community.
The 2026 Nickels for Neighbors grant will assist with Chestnut Housing’s Bridgeport Housing project, a creative partnership including donors from Forest Hills Mennonite Church that is developing a property in the Conestoga Valley School District. The need for affordable housing is huge: over 7,000 new housing units are needed across Lancaster County to meet demand. When completed, the property will contain 10-15 affordable apartments in a district with a high number of students experiencing homelessness.
ACC congregations are encouraged to collect coins in their Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, or services, primarily as a way to encourage giving among our children. These donations will be collected in October 2026. Use the can label and promtional video to help promote this project in your congregation
A check for funds raised should be made out to ACC (memo: N4N) and mailed to ACC, 100 Quarry Road, Leola, PA 17540. Congregations can also arrange for coins to be picked up by emailing BrookM@atlanticcoastconference.net. All funds should be received by October 25 so a final grant can be presented in November.