SKCP news, February 17th - 23rd

Get Your Philly Tenant Resource Guide

The Philly Tenant Resource Guide brought to you by the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project provides some very helpful information and resources for renters in Philadelphia.

Learn where to go for rent and security deposit assistance, how to get your landlord to make repairs, what to do if your facing rental discrimination, eviction, and more...

Get Your Tenant Resource Guide Here

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Volunteer with La Esquina Garden This Saturday and into the Spring!

Stop by the La Esquina Garden (at N Orkney and Jefferson Streets) this Saturday, February 18th at 3 pm

Participate in current work projects like rebuilding beds or spreading compost.  Learn more about volunteering on monthly tasks, or how to join the watering crew.

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Grants Available To Help Stabilize or Grow Your Business

The Merchant Funds has grants available that can provide funding for specific projects or assets used to stabilize or grow the business.

The grant is a one-time infusion of capital to help the business: 

Stabilize: recover from a specific deficit/challenge (e.g. replace a failing HVAC system, repair an outdated production space,  etc.)

Grow: take advantage of an opportunity to increase revenue or decrease expenses (e.g. purchase a piece of equipment that will improve productivity, improve the interior of the store, expand to wholesale/e-commerce, etc.)

This grant cycle will close on February 28th, 2023 @ 11:59pm EST.

For More Info

SKCP news, February 10th - 16th

Just in case you missed our Virtual Philly Housing Resources Info Session this week here are some highlights and links for the programs we discussed.

Basic Systems Repair Program - BSRP provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia.

Adaptive Modification Program - AMP is designed to help low-income individuals with permanent physical disabilities live more independently in their homes. It provides free adaptations to a house or an apartment, allowing easier access to and mobility within the home.

Restore Repair Renew - RRR is an initiative of the City of Philadelphia to help Philadelphia homeowners access low-interest loans to invest in their properties. Lenders participating in the program are offering 10-year, 3% fixed Annual Percentage Rate loans that range from $2,500 to $50,000 to eligible homeowners.

Philly First Home - offers a homebuyer assistance grant of up to $10,000 (or 6% of the home’s purchase price, whichever is lower) to assist first-time homebuyers reduce the principal, cover down payment and loan closing costs.

If you have further questions about any of these programs please reach out to us here at the office at 215-427-3463 or rstanton@southkensingtoncommunity.org

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SKCP news, February 3rd - 9th

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Facing Eviction? Receive Up To $3000 For Back Rent

The City of Philadelphia now has funds available to pay back rent up to $3000 for Tenants and Landlords participating in its Eviction Diversion Program.  The program 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.

For more info or to apply for the program visit: https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/

SKCP news, January 27th - February 2nd

PHDC's Homeowners Guide Provides Info On Maintaining Your Home And Cutting Energy Costs

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Lifeguards Wanted: Application and Certification Fees For Young Candidates Are Now Waived

Philadelphia’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking 400 people to join their lifeguard force to protect swimmers in their pools this year.  The city is not just looking for teens and young adults. Park officials are willing to train anyone — even those who cannot swim — to do the job. That’s why they are starting so early.

Read Full Story via WHYY

Become A Lifeguard Here

Community Zoning Meeting - Wednesday, January 25th, 6:30 PM

HELD BY SOUTH KENSINGTON COMMUNITY PARTNERS PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE VIA ZOOM. REGISTER @ https://tinyurl.com/msrtf4bp OR

CALL 215-427-3463 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND ANY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH JOINING THE MEETING.

6:30pm - 1719 N. 2nd (VOTE) View Plans

Residential Units: 10

Commercial Space?: Yes

Proposed Height: 69.5’

Demolition?: Yes

Current Zoning: ICMX

DESCRIPTION: Applicant is seeking support for multifamily new construction. The proposal includes a commercial space on the ground floor with 2 residential units per level over 5 floors for a total of 10 units and 6 stories. The refusals associated with this project include height, parking, ADA parking, and use. Residents, business owners, and property owners within a 1/4 mile are eligible to vote.

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SKCP news, January 20th - 26th

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Get Up To $15,000 To Improve Your Storefront

Business and property owners may be eligible to receive grant money for storefront improvements.  The program can reimburse up to 50 percent of the cost of eligible improvements to a maximum of $10,000 for a single commercial property, or up to $15,000 for a multiple-address or corner business property.

Examples of eligible improvements:

Masonry/brick pointing
Exterior painting
Windows/glazing
Exterior doors
Exterior facade lighting
See-through security grills
Signage and awnings
Cornices

For More Info Or To Apply

SKCP news, January 13th - 19th

PHA Housing Choice Voucher Program
Reopens January 23rd

The PHA Housing Choice Voucher program allows lower-income households to rent private apartments for a fraction of market rents. Once accepted into the program, households with choice vouchers pay about 30 percent of their income towards the rent, with the federal government covering the difference.

The waitlist opens on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 6am and closes on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 6pm.  The program will be capped at 10,000 recipients. Those on the waitlist will be chosen by a lottery.  PHA then will issue vouchers immediately to 2,000 of those 10,000 applicants, and the remaining 8,000 will go on the waitlist to receive vouchers as they become available.

For more info visit PHA Housing Choice Voucher

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SKCP news, December 30th - January 5th

We would like to wish all of our neighbors, friends, and supporters a Happy New Year!  Thank you for the love and support.

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Over the past few weeks, we've shared some of our proudest accomplishments from 2022, including:

• Through the Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) program, we've connected hundreds of neighbors with housing, utility, internet, and economic security resources.

• Our NAC staff also distributed 200 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests to community members as new variants emerged.

• Our Planning and Zoning committee worked with neighbors to secure traffic safety measures and commitments for future improvements along the 2nd and 5th street corridors.

• Our Philadelphia TCB Street Cleaning Crew was recognized by the Philadelphia Commerce Department with an award for “Punching Above Your Weight,” an acknowledgment of how much we accomplish with our limited resources as a small, neighbor-led organization.

• Our LandCare crew maintained over 700,000 sf of vacant land in and around the neighborhood, clearing trash, cutting grass, and improving community quality of life.

• We continued to support a more vibrant and walkable American Street by maintaining a rain garden, green streetscape improvements, and tree trenches along the corridor, portions of which would have been removed without SKCP's involvement.

• PLUS many small, day-to-day actions that improved our community's connection to resources and opportunities, the land, and each other.

Your support makes this possible! 

SKCP’s work is carried out by a small, hardworking staff and crew, a volunteer board, and a few dedicated residents. Please consider giving in any amount to help us meet our goal. Here's the link: https://donorbox.org/skcp-annual-appeal-2022

(P.S. Do you own a business in the neighborhood? If you contribute $100 or more, we’ll give you a special shoutout in our weekly newsletter!)

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From gift boxes and wrapping paper rolls to metal tins, jars and bottles, there’s a lot to recycle during the holidays. But don’t forget one of the most important items—your tree. The 2023 Christmas Tree Recycling program runs Tuesday, January 3rd to Saturday, January 14th (8a–6p Monday–Saturday) at the City’s six Sanitation Convenience Centers.

You may also drop off your trees on Saturday, January 7th and Saturday, January 14th (from 9a-3p) at these 13 designated locations:

American St. and Thompson St.     43rd St. & Powelton Ave. 
Broad St. & Christian St.                    Castor Ave. & Foulkrod St.
1400 Cottman Ave. (Jardel Rec.)       15th St. & Bigler St. 
Corinthian Ave. & Poplar St.               7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Rec.)
54th St and Woodbine Ave.                Graver Ln. & Seminole St.
Cathedral Rd. & Ridge Ave.                Washington Ln. & Ardleigh St. 
4800 Wayne Ave. (Happy Hollow Rec. Ctr.)

For more on what you can and can’t recycle this holiday season, visit Phila.gov/Streets/Christmas-Trees.

SKCP news, December 16th - 22nd

FREE Home Repairs with the BSRP Program

The Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia.

You can apply for free major systems repairs if your home’s problems include:

• Dangerous electrical conditions, such as overheating or sparking wiring or entire circuits that won’t stay on

• Leaking or broken sewer lines

• Leaking or broken water service lines

• Violations from the Water Department, Philadelphia Gas Works, PECO or Philadelphia L&I

• Roof leaks which have caused a 4 sq. ft. or larger section of ceiling to collapse (Small roof leaks are not considered emergencies)

• Carpentry repairs to floors and joists and limited repairs to exterior walls.

To be eligible for free emergency repairs you must:

• Own and live in the single-family house with the problem

• Be current or under current payment agreement for both your property taxes and your water bill

• Meet the income guidelines

• Not own any other residential property

Click Here For More Info

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One of SKCP’s long standing civic activities is serving as a Registered Community Organization (RCO) for the neighborhood of Old/South Kensington. Each month, volunteers from SKCP’s Planning and Zoning Committee, a neighbor-led group supporting community engagement and inclusion in the development and transportation planning processes, convenes public meetings for neighbors to review large proposed developments or projects requiring a zoning variance. Through these meetings, the Committee facilitates contact between near neighbors and development teams, creates opportunities to improve projects in response to neighbor feedback, and fosters within-community discussion of neighborhood planning priorities. With the support of neighbors, SKCP advocates for development in the neighborhood that both considers its past and looks towards its future. 

In 2022, the P/Z Committee also focused on Transportation and Safety issues, organizing neighbors to advocate for traffic safety improvements along North 5th and 2nd Streets, two high-crash corridors in our neighborhood. Working with neighbors to collect petitions and letters of support, we hosted community listening sessions with the Philadelphia Streets Department and succeeded in securing commitments for improvements on both streets! We’re continuing to build on these successes by advocating for further safety improvements around key neighborhood assets such as schools, child care facilities, parks, and recreation centers.

Did you know that? SKCP’s work is carried out by a small, hardworking staff and crew, a volunteer board, and a few dedicated residents. We depend on you, our neighbors, to contribute in big and small ways to help us continue to support the neighborhood. Please consider giving any amount to help us meet our goal. Here's the link: https://donorbox.org/skcp-annual-appeal-2022

(P.S. Own a business in the neighborhood? If you contribute $100 or more, we’ll give you a special shoutout in our weekly newsletter!)

SKCP news, December 9th - 15th

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In 2020, SKCP was selected by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce to participate in the PHL Taking Care of Business Clean Corridors Program (TCB.) This program funds community based non-profits to sweep sidewalks and remove litter from commercial corridors. SKCP’s Cleaning Ambassadors care for Girard Avenue from Front to 10th Streets three times per week, every week of the year, clearing litter, leaves, and debris and reporting conditions to relevant city agencies.

In addition to helping keep Girard Avenue clean for neighbors and businesses alike, the TCB program provides local jobs and workforce training opportunities.  TCB also enables SKCP to serve three critical organization goals: supporting local businesses, improving neighborhood quality of life, and connecting community members to economic opportunities.

Our team was recognized this year with an award for “Punching Above Your Weight”, an acknowledgement of how much can be accomplished and an inspiration to build on the experience and expand the work.

SKCP’s work is carried out by a small, hardworking staff and crew, a volunteer board, and a few dedicated residents. We depend on you, our neighbors, to contribute in big and small ways to help us continue to support the neighborhood. Please consider giving any amount to help us meet our goal. Here's the link: https://donorbox.org/skcp-annual-appeal-2022

(P.S. Own a business in the neighborhood? If you contribute $100 or more, we’ll give you a special shoutout in our weekly newsletter!)

SKCP news, December 2nd - 8th

Your ECA Winter Weatherization Kits Are Now In

Good News!  If you attended our ECA/PGW Energy Savings last month and registered for a FREE weatherization kit.  THEY ARE NOW IN!!!  Please reach out to Roshan at rstanton@southkensingtoncommunity.org or 215-427-3463 to arrange pickup of your kit.

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Our 2022 Free Thanksgiving Giveaway last month was a good time for a good cause.  We provided plenty of turkeys, sides, and desserts to the community.  A big thank you to all of the amazing volunteers and organizers from SKCP, Philadelphia Arab American CDC, Penn Treaty SSD, Cousin's Supermarket, Senator Nikil Saval + his staff, and all of you who donated to the Turkey GoFundMe. 

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Leaf Recycling Saturdays Continues This Saturday @American & Thompson Streets.

On the following Saturdays December 3rd, December 10th, and December 17th (from 9 AM to 3 PM).  Bagged leaves will be collected by Philadelphia Streets Department at N. American & Thompson Streets on 

Leaves must be placed in large brown biodegradable paper bags. Never mix trash or other recyclables with bagged leaves.  

Residents can also drop bagged leaves off at the Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 6 PM. 

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Support SKCP's work in the neighhbohood

Dear Neighbors and Friends of SKCP,

Every year we begin our Annual Appeal on Giving Tuesday, and this year is no different! So, in the coming days and weeks as we ask for your help. We will offer you a window into the impactful community work we've done over the past year, as well as a preview of our plans for 2023.

SKCP’s work is carried out by a small staff, a volunteer board, and a few very dedicated residents. We depend on you - our neighbors and friends to contribute in both big and small ways to help us support the community. We know that with your help and generosity this year we can beat our goal of raising $6,000 - just as we did last year.

Please consider giving in any amount to help us reach this goal. Here's the link: https://donorbox.org/skcp-annual-appeal-2022. We appreciate all of your support. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

(P.S. Do you own a business in the neighborhood? If you contribute $100 or more, we’ll give you a special shoutout in our weekly newsletter!)

SKCP news, November 25th - December 1st

Your ECA Winter Weatherization Kits Are On The Way

UPDATE 11/25/22: Good News! We have word that the FREE Weatherization kits should be delivered to our office on Monday.  So, if you attended our ECA/PGW Energy Savings and registered for a kit please reach out to Roshan after Tuesday at rstanton@southkensingtoncommunity.org or 215-427-3463 to arrange pickup of your kit.

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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open for the 2022-2023 season.  LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.  The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. 

For More Info or To Apply For LIHEAP

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FREE and Discounted Smart Thermostats From PGW

1.  Get Up to a $90 Instant Rebate on a New Smart Thermostat.  Open to all Philadelphia residents regardless of income.

2. FREE Smart Thermostat Program for Low Income Residents.  PGW provides and installs ENERGY STAR® Certified Wi-Fi enabled thermostats in the homes of income-qualified PGW customers at no cost to the customer. Thermostat installations are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date that applications are received.

SKCP news, November 18th - 24th

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If you joined us last week for our ECA/PGW Energy Savings Workshop last week and registered to receive a FREE Weatherization Kit, your kits are on the way. Due to a supply chain issue there has been a slight delay in receiving them. We have been told that we should receive them by the end of next week. So, once they arrive we will reach out to all of those who registered to arrange your pickup.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to Roshan at rstanton@southkensingtoncommunity.org or 215-427-3463.

SKCP news, November 11th - 17th

SEPTA is proposing changes to their routes throughout the city. Route 57, the main bus route through the Eastern North Philadelphia spine of American St has some of the most dramatic changes. For more information on these proposed changes please check out our info page at southkensingtoncommunity.org/route57

SEPTA will be holding an open house about these changes at the Liacouras Center (1776 N Broad St) on November 16 from 6pm-8pm. They will also host a meeting at the Esperanza Arts Center (4261 N 5th St) November 30th, 6pm-8pm.

If you have any questions about these changes or how you can participate, please reach out to us at info@southkensingtoncommunity.org

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Community Zoning Meeting - Wednesday, November 16th, 6:30 PM

HELD BY SOUTH KENSINGTON COMMUNITY PARTNERS PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE VIA ZOOM. REGISTER @ https://tinyurl.com/mttx3wsk OR

CALL 215-427-3463 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER, AND ANY REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH JOINING THE MEETING.

6:30pm - 1453 N. 4th ST (VOTE) View Plans

Residential Units: 2

Commercial Space?: No

Proposed Height: 38’

Demolition?: No

Current Zoning: RSA-5

DESCRIPTION: Applicant is seeking support for a two-family household in an existing structure. Residents, business owners, and property owners within a 1/4 mile are eligible to vote.

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7:00pm - 1700-16 N. Randolph ST View Plans

Residential Units: 75

Commercial Space?: No

Proposed Height: 45’

Demolition?: No

Current Zoning: RM-1

DESCRIPTION: Proposal for a multifamily new construction. This project does not require variances; it is coming before the community for feedback related to Civic Design Review. Residents, business owners, and property owners within a 1/2 mile are eligible to participate in the review.

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7:30pm - 500-510 W. Montgomery ST (VOTE) View Plans

Residential Units: 78

Commercial Space?: Yes

Proposed Height: 72’

Demolition?: No

Current Zoning: IRMX

DESCRIPTION: Proposal for a multifamily new construction. This project does not require variances; it is coming before the community for feedback related to Civic Design Review. Residents, business owners, and property owners within a 1/2 mile are eligible to participate in the review.

SKCP news, November 4th - 10th

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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type.

If you need assistance with paying your heating bills, Apply Today

TRAFFIC CALMING NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING

For information about past meetings, please see our traffic page HERE

SKCP news, October 28th - November 3rd

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SKCP news, October 21st - 27th

Where can I vote on Election Day?

Find voting locations at Pennsylvania Voter Services

Can I vote early?

• Yes, Pennsylvania does offer in-person mail-in voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person mail ballot voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day.

• Learn more about early in-person mail-in voting in Pennsylvania.

• Locations for in-person mail ballot voting may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Pennsylvania Voter Services to find where to cast your in-person mail ballot.

What do I need to bring?

If you've voted at your polling place before, you don't need to show ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter, or if you moved within Pennsylvania and are voting for the first time at a new polling place, you must show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:

• Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card

• ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government

• US passport

• US military ID

• student ID

• employee ID

• confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office

• non-photo ID issued by Pennsylvania or the US government

• firearm permit

• copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a government check that includes your name and address

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Pennsylvania's site

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Eviction Diversion Program extended to 2024

The Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) is a free City service for residential tenants and landlords. The Program is an opportunity to work out an early resolution to prevent the costs and burden of a legal eviction. Applications are now open to landlords through https://eviction-diversion.phila.gov/#/

Applications are assigned appropriate pathways depending on the amount of back rent and fees that the landlord says is owed and additional factors. A tenant may be assigned a housing counselor, mediation session or additional resources like a webinar. Tenants and landlords are encouraged to immediately try to work out agreements.

For more info on The Eviction Diversion Program

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