The mission of the East End Neighborhood Association is to strengthen our neighborhood through positive activities that will promote education, community involvement and pride in home ownership coupled with cultural values. Our goals are to promote the success, well-being and future economic growth of our community through creating affordable housing and rehabilitation strategies; economic development partnerships and programs producing clean and safe neighborhoods.

The East End Neighborhood Association (EENA) was formally organized in August of 2003 by several community members who sought a better community for themselves, their families and their neighborhood. In the two years since its inception, EENA has been the primary catalyst for several community based revitalization activities. By coordinating and actively pursuing opportunities from state and local government agencies, non profit organizations and the private sector, EENA has placed itself at the forefront of grassroots revitalization not only within West Chester, but also within the state. While many communities across the state have turned to community development corporations or municipal redevelopment authorities to spur positive change, EENA took the initiative, identified potential partnerships and began the process of shepherding those opportunities into the neighborhood and helping to serve those who need help the most.

EENA boasts several accomplishments, some of which are very significant. One of the greatest accomplishments has been the formation of a strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, which has lead to planning the construction of new homes on land that was previously used by Davis Fuel Company as storage lots. With clean up complete, planning for the construction is underway and will lead to attractive affordable housing in a part of the East End until now was extremely neglected. EENA has formed partnerships with the West Chester Area Senior Center which will be moving into the East End, hopefully by the end of 2005, Good Works, a home improvement charity, Borough Council and the Chester County Housing Authority, which operates several housing units in the neighborhood.

Perhaps the most notable accomplishment to date has been EENA's receiving Elm Street designation by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The status carries with it state grants that are intended to drive community based revitalization and will allow EENA to apply for Elm Street Designation, creating opportunities for larger grants intended for community reinvestment. This accomplishment was coupled with the formation of a strong partnership with the West Chester Business Improvement District, the sponsor of the Elm Street application, and allowed for the hiring of an Elm Street Manager who will work with EENA to plan, implement and maintain a comprehensive revitalization effort. The BID provides the manager to EENA in the hopes that the planning required for Elm Street Designation will help all of West Chester.