Stimulus Check Update!!

Share this information with your family, relatives, friends and neighbors.

If you didn't file a federal tax return in 2018 or 2019, you can now go to this site set up by the IRS to enter your information to receive your stimulus payment check.

Congress approved these payments as part of corona virus relief. Individuals with social security numbers earning under $75,000 can get $1,200 and $500 for every qualified child; married couples earning $150,000 or less could get $2,400. A smaller payment is available for individuals earning less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for joint filers).

If you did file a return last year but didn't provide the IRS with your bank account information, you'll soon be able to supply them with your account info for direct deposit. Check back to this site in mid-April to enter that information.

Taxpayers that filed in either 2018 or 2019 and provided their bank account information will get their payments direct deposited automatically. Otherwise, the IRS will mail checks to taxpayers over the coming weeks and months.

COVID-19 Community Response Captains (CRC).

This program is designed around the idea of everyday people helping each other. The Captains will be trained with COVID-19 101 knowledge.

How can I become a COVID-19 Community Response Captain?
Trainings will be available daily, in multiple languages including Spanish, French, and Chinese.
To find a training that works for you, click here.

NEED A HAND, NEIGHBOR? & Stop the Spread!

Post the flyer

"Need a hand, neighbor?"
on your front door or window

Download the flyer, English here or Spanish here.

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Many Philadelphians
are not staying home.

Print this flyer to post on your door, window, car or distribute in your neighborhood to encourage them to stay home.

Voting by Absentee or Mail-in Ballot & Voter Registration Requirements

Absentee and mail-in ballot applications for the April 28, 2020, primary election must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots. You may either choose a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot to request, complete, and return to your county election office.

Click here to know which ballot to use.

Pennsylvania just postponed its primary due to coronavirus. Here’s what it means for voters and 2020 campaigns.
Julia Terruso, Philadelphia Inquirer
More details here.

Voting by mail is a safe option during coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know about absentee ballots in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Jonathan Lai and Julia Terruso, Philadelphia Inquirer

Read more here.

Voter Registration Requirements

To vote in Pennsylvania, you must meet the requirements and register to vote.
Click here to learn about who can vote.

More details here on How and Where to Register to Vote

Check Your Voter Registration Status here.

SEPTA Update

Starting (today), April 1, SEPTA has implemented the following measures to fight the spread of COVID-19:
Rear-Door Boarding on Buses and Trolleys: SEPTA will implement rear-door boarding on all bus and trolley routes. All customers will be asked to board and exit from the rear doors. Front-door boarding will be reserved for riders with disabilities. Rear-door boarding is being implemented to further promote social distancing on-board vehicles. To maintain a safe distance between operators and passengers, SEPTA is suspending on-board fare payment.
Rider Limits: To ensure there is enough space on-board vehicles for customers to practice social distancing, SEPTA will limit the number of riders per-vehicle on buses, trolleys, and the Norristown High Speed Line:

• Bus: Maximum 20 riders

• Trolley: Maximum 25 riders

• Norristown High Speed Line: Maximum 30 riders

Operators will keep track of the number of people on-board each vehicle. If a vehicle reaches the maximum number of passengers, service will be limited to drop-offs until there is enough space to allow new riders to board.

Credit Policy For SEPTA Transportation Passes
SEPTA is offering credits for unused and partially used Monthly March or April 2020 Passes and Weekly Passes for the Weeks of March 9th & March 16th (including those on Key Cards and University Semester Paper Legacy Passes).

Please review the Credit Policy for SEPTA Transportation Passes for detailed information here.

SEPTA to start new coronavirus protections, including rear-door boarding and suspension of onboard fare payments.
Patricia Madej, Philadelphia Inquirer. Click here.

Beware Of Stimulus Check Scams And Related Hoaxes

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes

Ugh. The ink is barely dry on the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act" or the "CARES Act" - and scammers are already coming up with schemes to defraud taxpayers. Specifically, identity thieves are using confusion over the stimulus checks to convince potential victims to turn over personally-identifying information. Read here.

Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) office of Federal Student Aid are actively monitoring the new coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak. On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act into law, which, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers. Here we have answered questions about several provisions of the Act. If you’re concerned about your studies or loan repayment, we can help you understand what to do in certain circumstances. We’ll be adding information for students, borrowers, and parents to this page on a regular basis,

EMPLOYMENT & UNEMPLOYMENT

Links to above columns.

• Paid Leave: If available through your employer.
  Contact your employer.

• Paid Leave: Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
  Check your elegibility.

• Expanded Unemployment Compensation:
  Learn more.

• Worker's Compensation:
  Learn more.

• Download flyer [pdf}

FOOD RESOURCES

FOOD

• An initiative to ​boost Hispanic restaurants during the ​Coronavirus Crisis ​by marketing their availability for delivery and "take-out".
  The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC), in partnership with Finanta, Community First Fund, Widener University SBDC, and Aclamo, has created an initiative to help Hispanic-owned restaurants market their availability for takeout and delivery services called Dine Latino Take-Out Weekend, to be held April 3-5th. The open call for restaurants to sign up starts now via GPHCC’s dedicated website.

• SNAP HOTLINE: SNAP hotline and other resource for those who need and those who want to donate. Residents of Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia counties can call 215-430-0556, Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. More here.

• Where to find free, nutritious food during COVID-19. An up-to-date list of sites is available here, This map includes food sites The public is encouraged to verify sites by calling 311

• Food distributors now sell restaurant quality meat and produce directly to consumers. More here from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

• Philabundance: Get Involved
  The faces of hunger are varied and plentiful - so are the number of ways you can help. Click here for details to volunteer.

What to know about the coronavirus stimulus checks — and how and when you get your money

Christian Hetrick, Philadelphia Inquirer

Many Americans will soon receive direct payments from the federal government after the U.S. Senate passed a $2.2 trillion rescue package late Wednesday to combat the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The House was expected to pass the measure Friday, the largest economic stimulus in modern American history. The money could especially help Philadelphia, the nation’s poorest big city, where many people work in hotel, airline, and restaurant industries ravaged by the halt in economic activity.

Click here for answers to some common questions about the coronavirus stimulus checks

Stay Updated in Philadelphia

• Updates on city website click here.

• Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone:
  -Text COVIDPHL to 888-777
  -To receive free text alerts from @PHLPublicHealth by clicking here.

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced activation of the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline.
  The Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-722-7112

• "Updated guide to the coronavirus in Philly: Testing, schools, shopping, transit, unemployment and more" by BillyPenn clicking here.

• Health Alert COVID-19 March 26, 2020:
  Status Update and Guidance for Healthcare Personnel Isolation and Quarantine to Minimize Staff Shortages

• INFORMATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYEES IMPACTED BY COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment or Workers' Compensation benefits. Click here for details.

• SNAP HOTLINE: SNAP hotline and other resource for those who need and those who want to donate. More here.

Less Than a Week for Census Day.

April 1st is Census Day!!

By now, most households should have received at least one invitation to respond to the 2020 Census

NEED A HAND, NEIGHBOR? & Ways to Help!

Ways to Help
At SKCP, we have been humbled by the number of neighbors who have reached in recent weeks to support fellow community members during this trying time. Here’s a list of concrete ways you can help with current and ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts:

• Spread the Word: SKCP staff are specially trained to connect folks with resources related to housing, health insurance, utilities, food assistance, and other increasingly critical supports. You can help us reach more neighbors in need by printing out the attached signs and posting them in street-facing windows or public posting areas: [English] | [Español]

• Sign up for the SKCP Neighbor Support Team: For requests that require local coordination, like a helping a vulnerable neighbor pick up groceries or medications, we are creating a network of local volunteers who are willing and able to help out. Sign up by filling out this form. If you are in need of this type of assistance, reach out to us at info@southkensingtoncommunity.org.

• Donate to Citywide Relief Efforts: The Philadelphia Foundation has a new COVID-19 Fund dedicated to supporting local organizations that are already working on the most pressing issues brought to light by the pandemic.

• Tip a Restaurant Worker: Here’s a virtual tip jar for servers at your favorite Philadelphia restaurants, many of whom are facing reduced hours or layoffs.

• Stand Up Against Xenophobia: The pandemic has coincided with a disturbing increase in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans. To support all members of the South Kensington community, if you see or hear someone perpetuating bigoted stereotypes or rhetoric, use this guide from Teaching Tolerance to interrupt them.

• Fill Out the 2020 Census: State and local officials use the Census to allocate public healthcare resources and plan for emergencies. Getting an accurate count in our neighborhood is critical for making sure we’re prepared for future crises. Respond here.

• Donate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Healthcare providers are already facing shortages of needed equipment to protect themselves and others. If you have more than you need at home, consider donating to the Office of Emergency Management or a local healthcare institution.

• Stay Home! (If you can.): Minimizing contact with others is the best way to prevent additional infections, make sure our healthcare system does not become (further) overwhelmed, and save lives. Seriously.

For more opportunities, see: Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service – Philadelphia’s response to COVID-19: How you can help

Voting by Absentee or Mail-in Ballot & Voter Registration Requirements

Voting by Absentee or Mail-in Ballot

Absentee and mail-in ballot applications for the April 28, 2020, primary election must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

In Pennsylvania, you now have two options for mail ballots. You may either choose a mail-in ballot or an absentee ballot to request, complete, and return to your county election office. Click here to know which ballot to use.

Voter Registration Requirements

To vote in Pennsylvania, you must meet the requirements and register to vote.
Click here to learn about who can vote.

More details here on How and Where to Register to Vote

Check Your Voter Registration Status here.

Philadelphia's Urban Agriculture Plan MEETING POSTPONED!

City of Philadelphia Resources & Information Available

Find free meals for students while schools are closed. March 14, 2020
Sarah Reyes Office of Children and Families, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Office of the Mayor

To ensure that students can still have nutritious meals while all schools are closed, the School District of Philadelphia, several charter schools, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority are coordinating with the City’s Office of Children and Families to provide grab-and-go meals for children and youth throughout the city.
Beginning Monday, March 23, families can pick up meals at 80 locations listed here.. Please note the new schedule and locations.
Meals are available from 9 a.m. to noon only. All children and youth are eligible, and no ID is required.

What’s open, closed, or canceled at Parks & Rec sites
Darren Fava, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Here’s the latest update from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation about what’s open to the public, and what’s not.

These actions are part of the City’s effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia.

Please note that the information applies through at least Friday, March 27. A precise end date has not been determined. Note that the meal distribution at Recs has been cancelled.

More details click here.

Utilities and Housing

• PECO suspends shut-offs and late fees till May 1, click here.

• PWD is suspending water service shut offs and restoring water service through May 15th, click here.

• Public Utilities Commission (PUC): PUC Prohibits Utility Terminations, Consistent with Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency Related to Covid19, click here.

• Foreclosure and Evictions suspended for 60 days, click here.

• PHA suspending evictions

Pennsylvania Workers Affected by COVID-19 May be Eligible for Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation Benefits. 03/16/2020

Harrisburg, PA – Workers in Pennsylvania who are impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for Unemployment and Workers' Compensation benefits, Secretary of Labor & Industry (L&I) Jerry Oleksiak announced today.
Unemployment compensation claims should be submitted online for faster processing

More details here.

Using sick leave in Philadelphia, March 9, 2020
Sarah Reyes Board of Health, Department of Public Health, Mayor’s Office of Labor

Right to Sick Leave: Employers with 10 or more employees are required to provide paid sick leave, and employers with nine or fewer employees must allow unpaid leave. Infographics in English for workers and employers, and Spanish for workers and employers.
Click here to download the infographics in English and Spanish as PDF

More details click here.

Unemployment benefits in Pa. during the coronavirus pandemic: How to apply and who is eligible
Juliana Feliciano Reyes, Philadelphia Inquirer

If you’re one of the workers who has been affected by the pandemic — say, your employer had to shut down because of Mayor Kenney’s Monday order or you’re in self-quarantine and can’t work — there’s a good chance you’re eligible for unemployment benefits from the state.

More details here.

What you need to know about filing for unemployment in PA right now
Layla A. Jones, BillyPenn

You might be able to get benefits even if you’re not yet laid off. If you’re out of a job because of coronavirus-related business closures, you could get unemployment or worker’s comp pay. Apply for benefits immediately if you’re in that situation, Philly and Pennsylvania officials say. In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the state has changed requirements so more people will qualify for benefits. Details here.

PDPH Advisory - COVID-19 Update and Guidance

March 19, 2020

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has just released a Health Advisory regarding a status update for COVID-19 in Philadelphia as well as guidance on isolation and quarantine. It is available from https://hip.phila.gov, and as a PDF document. To read this attachment, you will need the Adobe Reader software, which can be downloaded at no cost from http://tinyurl.com/6ip.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Philadelphia Department of Public Health at publichealthpreparedness@phila.gov.
To report a disease or condition to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, call 215-685-6748 during business hours (8:30AM to 5:00PM Monday-Friday). If the disease or condition requires immediate notification and it is after normal business hours, call 215-686-4514 and ask to speak with the contact for the Division of Disease Control.

Summary Points:

• Community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is being recognized in Philadelphia.

• Duration of isolation for infected persons may be provisionally reduced to 7 days, as per details in this advisory.

• Guidance to healthcare workers for self-monitoring and isolation/quarantine is provided.

Click here to view the document.

Engaging PHL COVID-19 Updates: Essential City services remain open for residents

We are facing a difficult time because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. While non-essential City operations are halted to help stem the spread, many City services are available for residents.
Below you will find resources, tips, and guidance from Mayor Kenney on how we can all stay safe and informed during this outbreak.
If you have any questions about the City's response to the COVID-19 virus, please email our office at public.engagement@phila.gov

• Essential City services remain open, here is how to access them, more here.

• Philadelphia COVID-19 cases rising: What you can do, more details here.

Stay Updated in Philadelphia

• Updates on city website click here.

• Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone:
  -Text COVIDPHL to 888-777
  -To receive free text alerts from @PHLPublicHealth by clicking here.

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health announced activation of the Greater Philadelphia Coronavirus Helpline.
  The Helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-722-7112

SKCP Office is Closed to Public Visits

Until further notice, the office is closed to public visits. SKCP staff will be working remotely and will continue to be responsive to:

• email (info@southkensingtoncommunity.org)

• phone calls (215-427-3463), please be sure to leave a detailed message with your name and number so we can provide you with as much service as possible in these trying times.

.NOTICE:

• The March 21 Philly Counts Action Day has been postponed. We will share updates as we receive them

• The in-person March 23 Census Informational Meeting has been postponed. Stay tuned for updates on a virtual training session.

• The March 25 Community Zoning Meeting has been cancelled.

• Philly Spring Clean Up has been postponed. Stay tuned for updates.

Second Public Meeting: Urban Agriculture Plan

Please RSVP here.