News in the Neighborhood
University City District Connection Newsletter
Save the date! Our Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is returning for the first of two editions on Thursday, June 15th! From 5 PM to 8 PM, over 30 Baltimore Avenue businesses and nearly 20 local vendors will offer deals on food, drinks, and merchandise for either $1, $3, or $5. We’ll also have stationary and roaming entertainment, activities for kids, a block party set up at 48th and Baltimore, and much more. Take a peek at the current participating businesses and vendors by clicking below and stay tuned for more details plus our map of the event.
Pop-Ups at The Portal Continue with Ants on a Log This Evening
- May 25: Ants on a Log – Music for children and childlike people.
- June 1: Pierre Paloma & M.O.M. – Inflight interactive percussion jam.
- June 8: AfrVbz & DJ ACube – Afrobeats dance party!
- June 15: Gretchen Elise featuring The Authentic – Hip-hop and jazz open mic.
Neighborhood Favorite Lee's Deli Reopens Six Months After Devasting Car Accident
On November 20th, 2022, Scott Lee awoke to terrible news: at 4 AM, a stolen U-Haul had crashed into the front of his popular corner store and sandwich shop, located for over 30 years at 47th and Baltimore. What followed was a coordinated effort from City agencies and University City District to help Mr. Lee and his family get up and operational again, ranging from helping to set up a GoFundMe that raised nearly $45,000, to offering grantmaking and logistical support and much more. Amazingly, Lee’s Deli is now open and operational again, and Mr. Lee and his family are once again serving the neighborhood they love so much.
Summer in University City Events Launch This Weekend with Parks on Tap, cinéSPEAK Under the Stars, and More
Celebrate the unofficial start of summer in University City this week and beyond with amazing events! Parks on Tap, the roaming beer garden that moves throughout the city, will be in Clark Park through Monday, May 29th, and returning again on August 16th – 20th! Click here to learn more. This Friday, May 26th, our friends from cinéSPEAK are launching their 2023 “Under the Stars” programming, starting with a screening of Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes. They will be presenting four Fridays of films through June 17th, with rain dates of the following Saturday for any inclement weather. View the entire lineup here. See our community calendar for more great upcoming events including West Philly Porchfest, an outdoor concert by PHILADANCO, an event celebrating 10 years of Polkadelphia, and more!
UCD Hiring a Finance and Administrative Coordinator
Do you have administrative and financial skills and want to work for a mission-driven nonprofit? Consider applying to become UCD’s new Finance and Administrative Coordinator! This role will support UCD leadership and our organization, as we strive to continue accomplishing our mission of Changing Places and Changing Lives. The Finance and Administrative Coordinator will report to the Vice President of Finance and Operations to provide support in various capacities which include but are not limited to AP/AR/Payroll/Banking/IT/
Earn $17/hr to start with CHOP through the Biomedical Technician Training: Research Technician Program
- Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 96% of WPSI graduates finding employment
- A $150 weekly stipend during the first 10 weeks of the program
- 2 weeks of on-the-job training compensation at $14 per hour
- College-adapted classroom training to prepare participants for a career in the Life Sciences Industry
- The opportunity to interview for open Research Technician positions at CHOP starting at $17/hour
Bank of America Continues Support of WPSI
We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their recent $50,000 grant for our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. Last year, 95% of Skills Initiative graduates connected to employment with an average $19.20 per hour starting wage, and the program has facilitated the payment of $75 million in wages through employers over the last decade. The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities to spur lasting impact. Awardees were selected for their commitment to address basic needs and providing workforce development for individuals and families. This latest funding pushes Bank of America’s total investment in our Skills Initiative program to over $650,000 since 2013.
University City In the News
Juneteenth Group Bike Ride with The Enterprise Center
PECO GO 4TH & LEARN | FREE fun, interactive, and educational activities for kids
The 125th Birthday Celebration of Paul Robeson Continues | West Philly Porchfest
Please join us for a fun afternoon for everyone during this year’s West Philadelphia Porchfest activities.
The 125th Birthday Celebration of Paul Robeson continues with activities during this year’s Porchfest 2023 event. Below is our tentative program lineup
Tentative Program
1:00pm-2:00pm- Youth Docents (The Informants) Tours of the house
2:00pm-3:00ish- Tyehimba African Drum and Dance Ensemble
3:30pm-4:30pm- DJ – Duiji
4:30pm-5:30pm- Black Folks Don’t Swim (Band)
Activities
Food truck
Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice
Vendors- Walnut Hill Community Assoc, AARP,
Contact Information:
West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
4949 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
215-747-4675
wphlca@gmail.com
paulrobesonhouse.org
paulrobesonhouse.org/donate
Learn to Ride | Bicycle Class
University City District Connection Newsletter
- May 11: Gretchen Elise – Philly fusion and open mic.
- May 18: Zay Money and Friends – 10-year-old rapper, singer, & dancer.
- May 25: Ants on a Log – Music for children and childlike people.
- June 1: Pierre Paloma & M.O.M. – Inflight interactive percussion jam.
- June 8: AfrVbz & DJ ACube – Afrobeats dance party!
- June 15: Gretchen Elise featuring The Authentic – Hip-hop and jazz open mic.
UCD Welcomes New Homeless Outreach Services Manager and Manager of Continuing Development for WPSI
We’re excited to share that we have welcomed two new members to our UCD staff. Caitlyn Shauger (pictured left) is our new Homeless Outreach Services Manager, where she will work with our District Services team to build personal relationships and provide innovative and compassionate solutions that address the needs of unhoused individuals in our community. Jazzmin Prosper (right) will serve as the new Manager of Continuing Development for our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, where she’ll manage our Pathway to Promotion and WPSI Scholars programs, offering tools, research, guidance, and financial opportunities to graduates of our program. Join us in welcoming Caitlyn and Jazzmin, and read more about them via the link below.
Make Your Plans to Vote in the Primary Election Next Tuesday, May 16th
The next Pennsylvania primary election is coming up next Tuesday, May 16th, with polls open for in-person voting from 7 AM to 8 PM. Voters will be permitted to cast their votes as long as they are in line by 8 PM. Voters who have already received mail ballots can find where to drop them off by clicking here. This upcoming election will be pivotal in determining key local positions including Philadelphia’s next mayor, City Council district and at-large candidates, City Commissioner, City Controller, PA Justice of the Supreme Court, and more. To learn more about what candidates and issues will be on the ballot, explore these guides prepared by The Inquirer or Billy Penn.
The Spruce Hill Community Association’s May Fair Returns to Clark Park This Saturday
A beloved annual tradition is returning to Clark Park! Don’t miss the Spruce Hill May Fair this Saturday, May 13th from noon to 6 PM. The 65th annual edition of the fair will offer arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly activities including a petting zoo, live music, food for sale, and a raffle. The event is free to attend, and all money earned through the raffle help to fund the Spruce Hill Community Association’s (SHCA) activities throughout the year, including support for events including as Shakespeare in Clark Park, school plays, Clark Park soccer, the Halloween Tot Parade, and community fundraisers. SHCA also helps to fund neighborhood institutions and infrastructure at neighborhood schools, including Penn Alexander, Lea, and Paul Robeson.
Double Your Donation’s Impact with Matching Gifts
Our pivotal work at University City District is fueled by voluntary donations. Did you know some employers match donations to UCD made by their employees? If you’d like to donate to UCD before the end of our fiscal year on June 30th, please visit our matching gift page to see if your company will match your donation and to access the submission instructions. If your employer isn’t listed and should be, let us know!
Taking Vacations this Spring or Summer? Consider Offering Your Home to Patient-families in Need
Do you head to the shore or other locations all summer or know friends who do? This may
create a perfect opportunity to easily help someone in need. HOSTS for HOSPITALS, a non-profit serving Greater Philadelphia, is looking for lodging for any length of time for patient-families visiting our local hospitals.
Consider hosting and contact HOSTS FOR HOSPITALS at 484-380-2999 or www.hostsforhospitals.org to learn more.
University City In the News
Renata’s Kitchen to celebrate 10th anniversary with free neighborhood party + fundraiser
How the Next Mayor Can Capitalize on Our City’s Best
Community Event Calendar
Visit our community calendar to see what virtual events are happening in and around University City! Each month we reach out to community partners to gather a list of music, arts, food, and community events. Want to be added to the list? Email us!
Food Pantry | Community Food Giveaway
Get out the Vote | Meet and Greet the Candidates
Castle of our Skins | Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Alain Locke's Clothing/Personal Item Resource Table
Alain Locke School Flea Market
Walnut Hill Community Farm at Max Paul Park
Safe Air for LEA School
Food Pantry | Community Food Give-A-Way
University City District Connection Newsletter
The first-ever Africatown Restaurant Week is underway! From now through April 16th, you can enjoy unique African and Caribbean offerings from restaurants in West and Southwest Philadelphia, including several local favorites. During the promotion, diners can enjoy 15% off their orders of $10 or more. Click below to learn more, and make sure to support these local restaurants and help make this a yearly tradition!
Cait Garozzo Named to the Business Journal's 40 Under Forty List
We are very excited to share that Cait Garozzo, Executive Director of our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, has been named as an honoree in this year’s 40 Under Forty list by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Cait joins an impressive list of 39 other individuals who were selected from a pool of over 300 nominees. Each individual selected was chosen for their professional accomplishments and imprint on the region. The full list of recipients will be honored on May 11th at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, and then be featured in the May 12th edition of the Business Journal. Please join us in congratulating Cait on this well-deserved honor!
UCD Safety Ambassadors Recognized for Exceptional Service
On Thursday, March 30th, two members of our Safety Ambassador team received accommodations for extraordinary service from the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Safety. Ambassadors Kyle Earls and Alana Johnson, pictured left in uniform with Public Safety Account Manager Jim Carter, were honored after they assisted a member of the community after he had been struck by a vehicle while riding his bike on Wednesday, February 1st at 40th and Powelton Avenues. Ambassador Johnson discovered a disoriented man who had been hit by a pickup truck, called for responders, and was joined by Ambassador Earls until paramedics arrived. The victim wound up sustaining only minor injuries and came to our office the next day to retrieve his bicycle and thank the team who helped him. We’d like to join Penn DPS and thank Ambassadors Johnson and Earls for their decisive actions and service to the community.
Lancaster Avenue Jazz Fest presents Dylan Band at The Porch at 30th Street Station
Food Truck Vending Returns to the Lawn at uCity Square
One sure sign that spring is back is the return of food truck vending around University City. Our friends from the Lawn at uCity Square (37th and Cuthbert) are bringing back food truck vendors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Enjoy lunch options from rotating food trucks, and take a seat within the Lawn to enjoy your meal outdoors. The weekly schedule will be announced on social media, so make sure to follow uCity Square on both Instagram and Facebook for updates!
Have a Porch? Sign Up to Host Music or Art During the West Philly Porchfest This June
University City In the News
Community Event Calendar
Visit our community calendar to see what virtual events are happening in and around University City! Each month we reach out to community partners to gather a list of music, arts, food, and community events. Want to be added to the list? Email us!
April 22
Earth Day on 52nd Street
Springfest | Bartram's Garden
Become A Lifeguard
Utilities | Community Legal Services Webinar
University City District Connection Newsletter
We’re thrilled to share that last week we officially cut the ribbon on the new home of our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) training program! After seven years at First District Plaza, WPSI can now be found at 22 S. 40th Street, on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Members of our UCD and WPSI staff were joined by 3rd District Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, State Senator Vincent Hughes, Penn SEVP Craig Carnaroli, and WPSI alumni and friends during a celebratory event on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023. Our new space offers 5,600 square feet of office, classroom, and conference space for WPSI employees and participants, with upgraded technology meant to facilitate cutting-edge, hybrid trainings. The larger footprint will accommodate our growing staff and provide dedicated areas for one-on-one coaching and small group meetings. Learn more about the event by clicking below.
Join a Community Cleanup This Saturday, April 1st
Throughout the year, UCD organizes multiple volunteer cleaning efforts. Our next community clean-up will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, in coordination with the citywide Philly Spring Cleanup. Help keep your neighborhood clean by tidying up your streets from 9 AM to 2 PM. We’ll be picking up trash bags for disposal and dispersing supplies like bags, rakes, and gloves while supplies last. To sign up and join the effort, please contact us via email or by calling 215-243-0555.
Now Accepting Community Vendor Applications for the 2023 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Strolls
Make a Difference as a Volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of the Philadelphia Region supports families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope. RMHC Philly is always seeking volunteers to assist at their Philadelphia locations, including at 3925 Chestnut Street in University City, and have both long and short-term opportunities available. If you’d like to give back to an organization that provides so much for families in need, click below to learn more and sign up!
Join us in Welcoming Morris Burns to our Staff
We are thrilled to share that Morris Burns has joined our WPSI team as our new Manager of Applicant Experience. Morris brings 10 years of experience in nonprofit management working as a community builder, transitional manager, client conversion associate, and social services advocate. He will provide direct support to WPSI program applicants, guiding them through the application process and identifying areas for improvement to make the process more efficient and equitable. Morris is currently pursuing a CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification to expand his knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies, which will further drive applicant and organizational success. Welcome to the team, Morris!
WPSI Now Recruiting for Clinic Aide Positions in Partnership with CHOP
- Cutting-edge job connection strategies resulting in 96% of graduates finding employment.
- A $150 weekly stipend while enrolled in the program.
- The opportunity to interview for open, full-time Clinic Aide positions at CHOP’s West Philadelphia campus starting at $15.75/hour.
- Be a resident of Philadelphia
- Commit to the full training schedule
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be unemployed
- Be tobacco-free
- Provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination by April 21st, 2023
- Thursday, March 30th at 2pm • Register here
- Tuesday, April 4th at 1pm: • Register here
- Download the flyer
- Learn more about our application process here.
University City In the News
Ceramic Concept sells works of clay art from creators of color and women
Community Event Calendar
Visit our community calendar to see what virtual events are happening in and around University City! Each month we reach out to community partners to gather a list of music, arts, food, and community events. Want to be added to the list? Email us!
Through April 1
Curio Theatre Company presents The Complete Deaths
April 2
The Woodlands presents Music at the Mansion
April 6 through July 21
Living History Youth Summer Institute
The Museum of the American Revolution is running their second Living History Youth Summer Institute for young people between the ages of 15 and 21 with an interest in museum careers and costumed interpretation of the stories of people of African descent.
This program is a paid summer position that will meet four weekdays per week starting from July 5-Aug.12, 2023. Please submit your application by March 31, 2023. For additional information contact Michael Idriss, African American Interpretive Fellow, at midriss@amrevmuseum.org.
Academically Based Community Service Courses (ABCS)
Register for a Fall ABCS Course:
https://www.nettercenter.upenn.edu/what-we-do/abcs-courses/fall-2023-abcs-courses
Featured Courses:
ASAM 1020: The Asian American Entrepreneur – Rupa Pillai
ENVS 1665: Air Pollution: Sources & Effects in Urban Environments – Maria Andrews
MATH 1234: Community Algebra Initiative – Mona Merling
NURS 3520: Case Study: A Community-Based Approach to Mitigating Climate Change and Food Insecurity – Jennifer A. Pinto-Martin, Monique Dowd
PHIL 0902: High School Ethics Bowl – Dustin Webster
Developer's Community Meeting | Support Affordable Housing
Food Pantry | Food Give-A-Way
Expungement Clinic
Community & Traffic Safety Ambassadors | Apply Today!
26th Annual Boy's Power Lunch | Ages 7-12
Philly PD Recruiting
Free Afterschool Writer's Workshop at Blackwell Library
125th Birthday Celebration in honor of Paul L. Robeson
Saturday April 15, 2023
The 125th International Birthday Celebration honoring the life and legacy of Paul L. Robeson
Friday April 14, 2023
Reception & Panel Discussion at the
Historic Belmont Mansion
Saturday April 8, 2023
&
Sunday April 9, 2023
Bus Trips: Princeton, NJ & New York, NY
Contact Information:
West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
4949 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
215-747-4675
wphlca@gmail.com
paulrobesonhouse.org
paulrobesonhouse.org/donate
Community Meeting | Discuss Upcoming Projects and Give Input
Job Posting | Penn Medicine Community Engagement and Research Coordinator
Alley Tree Removal Program
Walnut Hill Community Meeting
Food Pantry | Food GIVE-A-WAY
The Sarah Ralston Foundation Grant Seekers Briefing
Dear Friends,
As we launch The Sarah Ralston Foundation, we want to personally welcome you to get to know us, our mission and our grantmaking vision, and invite you to our first Grant Seekers Briefing.
We provided resources to the local aging community for decades—and we have had an even longer history of serving older adults. We have always been an organization that adapts to the time and current need at hand, and that’s why, as we took a hard look at our city, its changing demographics and stark healthcare inequities, we decided to evolve yet again.
We will now be funding and supporting organizations already doing great work in this field. We are specifically interested in organizations that
Improve access to affordable, equitable and high-quality care including care for behavioral and mental health issues
Improve access to affordable equitable, and high-quality housing
Prevent social isolation
Support caregivers
Coordinate the care of older adults in Philadelphia
Our spring grant cycle focuses on general operating support. Our fall grant cycle focuses on innovative programs and projects. This spring, the General Operating Support Committee will consider requests for grants between $5,000 and $50,000 annually for organizations serving vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. The application deadline is April 1st.
The Sarah Ralston Foundation is here to help as you apply for, secure, and execute your grant funding. To achieve this, we are delighted to offer a briefing to potential grant seekers. Join SRF’s Executive Director, Lynette Killen and Jefferson Health’s Associate Director of Strategic Writing for an overview of the grant process and tips on effective grant writing.
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Life Sciences Research Facility Breaks Ground on Drexel's Campus
“A new state-of-the-art life sciences research and laboratory facility, which is expected to become the city’s largest facility of its kind, broke ground today on Drexel’s campus at 3201 Cuthbert Street. The groundbreaking ceremony included a virtual display powered by more than 200 drones, culminating in a 200-foot tall image of a giant shovel virtually digging into the site to represent the formal launch of construction.”
Read the rest of the West.Philly.Local.com article here.
Netter Center Fellowships, Internships, Volunteer & Employment Opportunities, and More
Provost’s Graduate Academic Engagement Fellowship at the Netter Center (PGAEF@NC)THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS EXTENDED TO MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 2023.
Attention Recent & Soon-to-be Grads!
Volunteer or Work with the Netter Center this Spring!
Interested in connecting with West Philadelphia schools? Join a Netter Center program! Both work-study and volunteer opportunities are available this Spring. Netter provides clearance and transportation support to partner sites.
Featured Positions:
Silverman Fellows work to strengthen literacy and communication skills among K-12 students, with a focus on promoting wellness and creating art & media to share with the wider community. Fellows plan and implement programs in our partner public schools, with options during the school day, afterschool, and summer. A range of creative projects are available, depending on Fellows’ interests and the needs of the partner schools. Sample placements include: dance, theatre, drumming, and yoga with elementary and middle school students; mindfulness and de-escalation support with the West Philly High Calm Room; training high school students to be museum guides at the Paul Robeson House; in-class mentoring with high school Digital Media or English classes.
To apply, please fill out the short application HERE!
Wharton Netter Center Entrepreneurship Program
Professor Keith Weigelt in partnership with Wharton and the Netter Center are putting together an Entrepreneurship Program for Philadelphia high school students. We are recruiting for Penn student volunteers to help mentor local high school students with their entrepreneurial project. The class will meet on Penn’s campus (classroom TBA) on Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30pm – 5pm and will start on 2/7 and go through early April.
If you are interested and/or have further questions, please email echerry@wharton.upenn.edu or sign up using the interest form: https://forms.gle/QVHj5WmisjfA822D8.
SAVE THE DATES!
University-Assisted Community Schools (UACS) Spring Celebration
April 20th, 3:30-6:00pm
Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) Summit
April 28th, 3:00-5:00pm
Congratulations to all honorees of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Awards!
Special shoutouts to:
- Mya Gordon (member of Netter’s Student Advisory Board)
- Paulette Branson (Netter’s Director of UACS Sports, Fitness & Health)
- Rev. Joe E. Nock (Vice Chair of Netter’s Community Advisory Board)
- Prof. Herman Beavers (member of Netter’s Faculty Advisory Board)
The Commemoration and award ceremony highlighting the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place on January 19th.
Read more in Penn Today HERE.
Science & Service
Check out this wonderful article in Penn Today spotlighting the partnership between Dr. Lori Flanagan-Cato’s ABCS course “Everyday Neuroscience” and Robeson High School!
Shah Summer Internship
The Shah Engaged Research Summer Internship at the Netter Center will provide four students the support to pursue action-oriented research projects rooted in collaborative real-world problem-solving.
Deadline: March 19th, 2023
More information HERE.
Summer Employment working with Youth
Each summer, the Netter Center implements comprehensive, full-day summer camps for West Philadelphia students in kindergarten through eighth grade and work internships for West Philadelphia high school aged youth in University-Assisted Community Schools. Penn students can support a number of in-person activities (specific placement options TBA). Support is primarily needed June 19th through August 11th.
Fill out the interest form HERE.
SNF Paideia Fellowship
The SNF Paideia Program is currently accepting applications from first-year Penn students for the SNF Paideia Fellows Program in two rounds. Students who wish to apply for the first round may submit their application up through noon, Monday, Jan 30th. Students applying in the second round have through noon, Monday, Feb 27th. SNF Paideia Fellows are a select group of undergraduate students committed to developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed for effective, ethical, and civil dialogue in a diverse world.
Learn more and apply HERE.
Eviction Diversion Financial Assistance
2023-Today the City of Philadelphia and PHDC announced the creation of a Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA) component of the City’s successful Eviction Diversion Program. Eligible landlords and tenants participating in the Eviction Diversion Program may be selected to apply for a one-time payment from the City to a landlord to cover a tenant’s rent arrears.
The City of Philadelphia’s FREE Eviction!!!
Diversion Program (EDP) helps landlords and tenants resolve disputes and avoid going to court. EDP facilitates satisfactory and sustainable landlord-tenant agreements through mediation or supported direct negotiation. Per City Ordinance # 220655, EDP is required before a landlord can file an eviction in court. Landlords initiate the eviction diversion process after sending tenants the Notice of Diversion Rights (NOR). City officials have allocated 30 million in funding to TFA. The benefits of participation in the Eviction Diversion Program are: Tenants avoid an eviction filing or judgment on their record that could prevent them from accessing quality housing in the future. Landlords save money by avoiding court fees and attorney expenses. The court reduces caseloads, putting less strain on the court system. Low-income renters and landlords are assisted with applications for rental assistance and other resources to stabilize their housing during the pandemic. Landlords recoup back rent owed while avoiding vacancies and unit turnover costs. The Eviction Diversion Program is a means for the City to help tenants and landlords resolve residential rental issues while avoiding a costly or drawn-out court process,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “With this new Targeted Financial Assistance component, people who fell behind on their rent have the opportunity to start over and keep their home.”
TFA may be awarded if a tenant and landlord are eligible and participate in the program in good faith. The award is equal to the total amount of arrears plus one-month’s rent. Eligibility is determined after an Eviction Diversion application is submitted. Good Faith Participation means that a tenant and landlord have both made
reasonable efforts to complete the program. Over 4000 landlord/tenant pairs have participated in previous iterations of the Eviction Diversion Program since 2020. Almost 75 percent of participants have reached an agreement that allowed the tenants to remain in their residences and avoid eviction. Between May 2020 and January 2023, the City and PHDC disbursed nearly 300 million in federal, state, and local emergency COVID relief dollars to assist over 46,500 households. For most of this period, landlords and tenants applied directly to PHDC’s PHLRentAssist program to access these funds. PHLRentAssist closed to new applications in January 2022 and had disbursed all remaining funds as of January 2023. For a landlord to meet the definition of good faith participation, the following conditions must be met: Provide evidence that the Notice of Diversion Rights was sent to tenant, updated ledger account of any balances owed, and any additional issues to address through mediation as required. Provide current and accurate contact information for tenant as part of the Eviction Diversion Program application. Respond timely to requests for communication from a tenant, a housing counselor, or City-funded agency representative to resolve application issues or reach an agreement. Attend mediation sessions as scheduled. A landlord may have an agent attend, but the landlord must be available by phone to participate if needed. The agent must have all necessary information and authority to resolve disputes and enter into agreements. During mediation, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to address all lease issues that could lead to eviction in addition to applying for rental assistance. If eligible for Targeted Financial Assistance, a landlord must apply for TFA within 5 days of EDP application approval. Landlords will be notified of eligibility and provided with instructions for the TFA application. For a tenant to meet the definition of good faith participation, the following conditions must be met: Tenant must actively participate by attending mediation sessions as scheduled. If not, a tenant risks non-compliance and the legal process of eviction. Tenant must attempt to address all issues raised. Tenant must submit all requested materials for Targeted
Financial Assistance within 5 days of request. For more details about “good faith participation” and other aspects of the Eviction Diversion Program, see questions about the Eviction Diversion Program application and mediation process, contact Cora Good Shepherd Mediation at evictiondiversionprogram@
Diversion Program Tenant Hotline at 215-523-9501.
For questions about Targeted Financial Assistance applications and payments visit
https://urldefense.com/v3/__
For general questions about tenant’s rights, free legal advice and possible representation, tenants may call the Philly Tenant Hotline at 267-443-2500 or visit Phillytenant.org. 1234 Market Street, 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Vignettes from the life of Paul Leroy Robeson - Black History Month Event(s)
Visit the Paul Robeson House Facebook Page for more info: facebook.com/TheOfficialPaulRobesonHouse
Job Opportunity
Blog: Here
Position Details and How to Apply >>> click here.
Application Deadline: February 17, 2023
Seasonal Part-Time position (8-24 hours a month) from March – Oct 31, 2023
Email the BCGP Education Programs Manager with any questions about the application process at Lor.song@bicyclecoalition.org
We are looking forward to receiving your application. If you know anyone who would be a good fit, please share this application with them. People who are bilingual and/or identify as BIPOC are encouraged to apply.
Living Stone Wellness
Penn Vet Canine Handler Academy 2023
Mark your calendars! Here is a summer opportunity your child will not want to miss.
Canine Handler Academy (CHA) is the perfect summer opportunity for children who want to develop skills to train their pet dog or aspire to a career working with dogs.
Welcoming participants with all dog training skill levels, CHA instructs campers in scientifically based dog training techniques. Campers also get a behind the scenes look at how working dogs including police, search and rescue, and even medical detection, are trained.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to be immersed in the working dog industry and learn about canines working in many disciplines including search and rescue, law enforcement, medical detection, and conservation. Your child will also gain additional skills in canine fitness, behavior, and positive reinforcement training.
Beginner sessions are for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (2022-2023 school year) and our advanced session is for incoming 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th graders who have attended at least one beginner session.
- Beginner Session #1: June 26-30
- Beginner Session #2: July 10-14
- Beginner Session #3: July 17-21
- Advanced Session: July 24-30
Scholarships will be available for those who qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Registration will open soon!
Email caninehandleracademy@gmail.com to get on the notification list.
New Office Building Coming to 40th & Walnut, McDonalds Included
Net Community Care Virtual Parenting Education Class
Save the Date! Paul Robeson 125th Birthday Celebration
Walnut Hill Community Meeting 12/22
KIPP Philadelphia Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
CHOP - Know Where to Go
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), like many medical providers across the country, is seeing an early increase in viral infections in our community. This has resulted in an extremely high number of patients seeking care, which has led to longer wait times and limited appointment availability. As we anticipate this sick season to continue through the winter months, CHOP is seeking the support of community partners in the region to find creative solutions and enable additional support to serve patients and families as best as possible.
We welcome you to support our outreach efforts by sharing the attached flyer, Right Care, Right Place, to community members and with your network. The document provides guidance on where to find care when you need it—whether that be the Emergency Department, Urgent Care or your primary practice.
In addition, you can direct families to our www.chop.edu/sickseason webpage for information on symptoms, how and when to manage them at home, and more.
We value your support during this time. Please let me know if you have any questions.
UACS Nights Starting this Thursday - Fun for Family!
Classes will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00PM – 8:00PM starting this Thursday December, 1!
West Philadelphia High School
4901 Chestnut Street (Garden Court entrance)
Special Thank You to Walnut Hill Volunteers!
Thank you for all the wonderful Walnut Hill volunteers that helped to give out over 300 turkeys, chickens and produce at the Max Paul Farm on November 21st. Special “Thank You” to our partners- The Enterprise Center and Central City Toyota and Ardmore Toyota.
CARIE is Hiring a Transportation Advocate
The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE) is hiring an advocate to focus specifically on transportation advocacy in Philadelphia county. This entry-level position is a great fit for individuals passionate about elder advocacy and looking for a dynamic role involving individual case work and broader systemic advocacy. Under contract with Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging (PCA), CARIE administers the Transportation Service Advocacy Program (T-SAP) and provides support and advocacy for older adult public transit riders in Philadelphia. The Advocate will work in the CARIE LINE, a program providing individual education and advocacy to older adults and those who care for them. This full-time position involves contact with older adults, their families, and caregivers, with a focus on issues related to transportation. Public speaking, outreach activities, and resource development are among the tasks involved with this position.
A full job description can be found here. If you have any questions about CARIE and it’s transportation advocacy, please feel free to contact David Johnson, CARIE LINE Supervisor at johnson@carie.org or visit www.carie.org.
Low-income Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze
The Philadelphia Department of Revenue will prevent your Real Estate Tax bill from increasing if you meet certain age and income requirements.
Under the Real Estate Tax freeze, the amount of property tax you pay each year will not increase, even if your property assessment or the tax rate changes. If your tax liability decreases due to a lower property assessment or a tax rate decrease, the amount of Real Estate Tax you owe will also be lowered to the new amount.
Read more about eligibility factors here.
The application can be found here.