HAPPY ARBOR DAY From Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders!

In compliance with distancing guidelines, this weekend's Community Tree Planting has been postponed until sometime in the Fall. Other maintenance and care activities have likewise been put on pause. We will let you know more and try to keep you inspired as information becomes available. Until then we are planning for the future, and Taking Applications for ADDITIONAL TREES to be planted in the Fall.
Get in touch with your questions, ideas or If you would like to see trees on your block contact us ASAP by email or by calling 215-370-0099

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IN THE MEANTIME . . .

Take a Tour of Street Trees with one of our hard working heroes, Dana Dentrice, Arborist and PHS Program Manager of Urban Forestry, click here.

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Become a Tree Tender!

At the heart of SKCP's tree program is the work the Old/SouthKensington Tree Tenders, (O/SK TT) neighbors who have been trained by our partners at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in the biology, care, and planting of trees. This Spring, PHS is offering an online option for the popular 8 hour training which begins next week. There is a $40 fee. O/SKTT can provide scholarships to those want to participate in neighborhood tree work and cannot afford the fee (call 215-370-0099): See the link for details.

ID Trees by Bark (click here)

"What Tree is That?" click here for an online key.

"Leaf Winter Tree" ID Key, download the key here.

And, They're back . . . Details here.

FOR THE GARDENERS. . . . A FREE Zoom live chat on Ecological Gardening, more details here.

Philly 311 Hours

Download the flyer in English or Spanish

Philly311’s contact center remains open from 8 am. to 8 pm Monday through Friday and will also be open extended hours 8 am to 8 pm this weekend, April 25 and 26.

Residents can place a service request by calling 3-1-1 or dialing (215) 686-8686 or through submitting service requests online.

Language translation services are available

COVID-19 INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone:
  -Text COVIDPHL to 888-777

• City Provides Update on COVID-19, click here.

• PA Provides Updates on Covid-19, click 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

COVID-19 UPDATES

311 Extended Hours

• Philly311’s contact center remains open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and will also be open extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m the following two weekends on April 18 and 19 and April 25 and 26.

• Residents can place a service request by calling 3-1-1 or dialing (215) 686-8686 or through submitting service requests online. Language translation services are available.

Flushing Wipes Could Cost You, Damage Infrastructure [PWD] More details here.

• Due to a flood of sanitary wipes at the city’s three Water Pollution Control Plants and 19 pumping stations, we are calling on residents to stop flushing anything other than toilet paper along with bathroom waste.

WEAR A MASK!

• Who should be tested, where you can get a test, click here [phila.gov] [pdf]
  Nearby test site: American Family Care (AFC) Urgent Care, 180 W. Girard Ave. (below Acme at 2nd & Girard)

• Going to a Pennsylvania business that remains open during the pandemic? Health Secretary Signs Order Providing Worker Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19

• CDC - Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19. The CDC provides three ways to make masks, including a sewn mask, a no-sew design from a T-shirt, and a design with a bandana here. Use the Inquirer's simple template to make a face mask at home.

NEARBY FOOD DISTRIBUITON for SENIORS, STUDENTS & FAMILIES

The city added two new sites to the locations providing meals for children on Mondays and Thursdays. More here.

• In the neighborhood: West Kensington Ministry, Kensington CAPA and John F. Street Center.

Free meals for seniors during COVID-19. Details here.

• In the neighborhood: CHCS Norris Square Center, Lutheran Settlement House, Northern Living Center.

FAMILY HEALTH & LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Resources for Babies.

• The Department of Public Health, along with the Office of Children and Families, announced nine community sites where caregivers of infants can find free baby supplies—including diapers. A list of the sites available here.

• Philadelphia Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides eligible caregivers with an EBT card they can use to purchase food, diapers and formula. To enroll in Philadelphia WIC residents can apply online, email phillywic@northwic.org, or call 215-978-6100.

• Breastfeeding support is available virtually through Pacify–a free, mobile app that gives on-demand access to professional lactation (breastfeeding) experts. Moms should use the enrollment code ‘Philly.’

PCCY’s HealthWatch Helpline Is Available To Help. Does your child need insurance now! Call 215-563-5848x17

• PCCY Helps Families Get Health Insurance in Every Language.
  How To Get Health Insurance For Your Child and You. More details here.

Philadelphia Legal Assistance [PLA resources]

• Philadelphia Legal Assistance Has Launched a Free UC Application Service Hotline! The number is 215-999-6910.

Community Legal Services [CLS]: Resources for COVID-19.

• You can get help over the phone for all cases we handle by calling 215-981-3700

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Information and resources for workers impacted by COVID-19,
click here [phila.gov].

Get your benefits: How to navigate PA’s overloaded unemployment system. [BillyPenn]

• It could be a month before gig workers receive any funds.
  More details here,

How to Select Your "Reason for Separation" in Unemployment Compensation Applications During the Coronavirus Crisis. [PLA]

• Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19. Details here.

Election Calendar

The 2020 Pennsylvania Elections Calendar

• May 18, 2020: Last day to REGISTER TO VOTE before the primary

• May 26, 2020:Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot

• June 2, 2020: Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8 P.M.)

• June 2, 2020: GENERAL PRIMARY Polls are open from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Click here to request an absentee or mail-in ballot for the upcoming election.
More details at Votes PA home portal.

Philly election officials will provide pre-paid postage for the easy return of all absentee and mail-in ballots ahead of the June 2 primary. More here.

SKCP Virtual Community Meeting

The SKCP NACC, Rasheed Davis, has organized our first-ever virtual community meeting in light of social distancing.

This short meeting will focus on Census related information. Click here for details.

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.