The SKCP Blog
Customers unable to pay will not lose water services through June 1, 2020. This is a 16-day extension of the original postponement period, which prevented delinquent accounts from being shut off through May 15. All late fees are also being waived.
PHDC & IMPACT LOAN FUND ANNOUNCE PILOT TO HELP SMALL LANDLORDS
South Kensington Community Partners
PHDC announces its Small Landlord Rental Improvement Fund (RIF) pilot program in partnership with Impact Loan Fund. RIF assists landlords with fewer than 10 rental apartments. The purpose of RIF is to improve and repair units and stabilize the supply of affordable rental housing in the City.
RIF can make loans from $10,000 to under $25,000 for landlords to improve their rental units to address health and safety-related repairs. Participating landlords must maintain affordable rents for the term of the loan, meet fair housing guidelines, and have a rental license.
The first phase of this pilot program will take place in the following zip codes:
19120, 19122, 19124, 19125, 19133, 19134, 19137, and 19140.
More details click here Click and how to complete the Intake Application.
Requirements for resuming construction activity in Philadelphia
South Kensington Community Partners
As you know, today Mayor Jim Kenney announced an Executive Order that authorizes construction activity, previously shut down by emergency order, to resume on May 1st. Significant restrictions must be in place on construction sites to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Under the Executive Order, construction work cannot proceed within any occupied dwelling unit or within shared common areas of a multi-family residential building. No underpinning, demolition of attached structures, or other work that requires the support of an existing party wall may take place.
More information is available from a blog post on the homepage of the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) website. The post will be kept updated and FAQs will be added to L&I’s site.
If you are reporting on a project in the neighborhood,
have questions or concerns send to: rco@southkensingtoncommunity.org
Philly 311 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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m this weekend, May 8 and 9.
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.
STAY SAFE! VOTE FROM HOME
South Kensington Community Partners
PA Voter Registration
Deadline May 18
Make sure you register to vote
Click here for information How can I vote from home?
Important Dates
MAY 18: Deadline to Register to Vote
MAY 26: Last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot
JUNE 2: ELECTION DAY and Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots.
Procrastinator’s Guide to the 2020 primary election in Philly
A cheat sheet for being informed when you vote, by BillyPenn.
Street Tree Applications available now
South Kensington Community Partners
In compliance with distancing guidelines, Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders Spring 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 by May 17th, at greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org
or by calling 215-370-0099
Check out this article on the Coolest, Oldest, and Most Storied Philadelphia Trees.
What are the coolest, oldest, most storied, or just your favorite trees in our neighborhood? It could be a street tree, a park tree, or in your yard.
Send a picture and some details and thoughts to greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program
South Kensington Community Partners
Today (Friday 8th) the City of Philadelphia announced its COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The program aims to help people who have lost income because of COVID-19 pay their rent. Please note that funding is limited. Not everyone who applies can be served.
The City will begin accepting applications for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 10 a.m. The deadline to apply is Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Applications are available through PHLRentAssist.org. Residents without internet access or a smart phone can get program and application information by calling 311.
To be eligible, renters must:
Rent an apartment or house in Philadelphia
Have a valid and current written lease signed by landlord
Have lost income because of COVID-19
Meet income guidelines
Renters do not have to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to be eligible.
Renters are NOT eligible if they live in public housing or receive other government rental assistance (Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers, etc.)
Help us publicize this important program!
Share PHLRentAssist.org with your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, contacts, and anyone else you can think of
Download our fliers and distribute them far and wide
Have a suggestion about who we could reach out to? Send it to us at info@phdc.phila.org, or just share our website, press release, and/or blog.
On behalf of our Philadelphia neighbors in need – thank you!
COVID-19 INFORMATION
South Kensington Community Partners
How Are Philadelphia Area Residents Coping With COVID-19? Take the Survey
In these difficult times, when everyone's lives are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can do something important for your family, friends, neighbors and community. Please take time to participate in our survey of the impacts of COVID-19. We need reliable information on the impact on work and health (physical and mental health) to effectively assess the needs of communities and support them better. Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Please clink on the link the complete the survey in English or Spanish .
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Complete list of resources with links to the websites of the mentioned resources is available on this pdf.
On the downloaded pdf, you can click on each icon and get the corresponding website, like:
Workforce Updates, PA CareerLink
For Renters, Philly Tenant
Families & Youth, Office of Children & Families
United Way Resource Directory, United Way
Food, Department of Public Health
CHOP has set up a 24/7 hotline for questions and concerns about COVID-19,
call 800-722-7112.
The hotline is for anyone's use (not just cases involving children).
Get the latest information about how CHOP is responding to COVID-19.
PA Unemployment Application Now Available for Self-employed/gig workers.
Click here for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) FAQs
COVID-19 INFORMATION: New Program Rules!
South Kensington Community Partners
Click here for more details
What is C.A.R.E Lab?!
South Kensington Community Partners
In lieu of an in-person Spring Adult Rock Camp, we’re going to make space in the first weekend of May for an online experiment! We're announcing our first ever virtual Arts Resource Exchange! With workshops, dance parties, open mics, meet-ups, collaboration challenges and hang outs, we’ll find new ways of loving, learning and celebrating together.
When? Saturday, May 2nd- Sun, May 3th, 2020
Where? WHERE EVER YOU ARE IN THE UNIVERSE!!
What? Scroll through the gallery on the right for the schedule, workshop descriptions and other important logistical info for the weekend!
Read more details here.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP AS A PARTICIPANT!
How a Philly Chef Is Using Tamales to Support Immigrant Workers During Coronavirus
South Kensington Community Partners
Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, phillymag.com
In collaboration with Lost Bread Co., Ana Caballero has cooked up a plan to help restaurant workers who are not eligible for government support. “I was just sitting at home feeling so helpless,” she said. “There are a lot of people I work with who are undocumented, or for other reasons, unable to get support from the government — even though they have taxes taken out of their paychecks just like everybody else. I wanted to do something to actually put some money in their pocket, because it’s crazy to think that people can survive for two or three months without even a lick of income.” In partnership with Lost Bread Co., Caballero came up with Proyecto Tamal (details here) a weekly sale of tamales which she makes in collaboration with a different family each week.
Read more here.
Repair, Restore, Renew Program
South Kensington Community Partners
Philadelphia Neighborhood Home Preservation Loan Program, launched in March 2019 to provide access to low-interest home repair loans for our city’s low- and moderate-income homeowners.
How is RRR responding during COVID-19?
Our community partners are working tirelessly, even in the midst of COVID-19, and are still taking applications and closing loans. At PHDC we are looking for ways to safely and responsibly conduct business, while adhering to local, state, and federal guidelines.
All homeowners want to keep their properties healthy, safe, and accessible. Please visit https://phdcphila.org/residents/home-repair/restore-repair-renew/ to see if you are eligible, and then contact PCCA or Clarifi to apply for a RRR home repair loan. They are working with clients remotely, and ready to assist you.
PCCA: 215-567-7803 or awilliams@philapcca.org
Clarifi: 215-866-5200 or rrr@clarifi.org
Philadelphia property tax due date extended to June 15
South Kensington Community Partners
Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the deadline to pay Philadelphia property tax has been extended to June 15.
If you haven’t paid your 2020 Real Estate Tax bill already, you now have an additional month and a half to do so. This is the second time we’ve moved the deadline in response to the pandemic.
If you can pay before June 15, please do so. Real Estate Tax revenue is vital to the School District of Philadelphia and essential City services, including emergency management.
More details here.
Street Tree Applications available now
South Kensington Community Partners
In compliance with distancing guidelines, Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders Spring 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 greening@southkensingtoncommunity.org
or by calling 215-370-0099
"What Tree is That?" click here for an online key
Few things are as spectacular as a redbud tree in full spring bloom. Showy pink or reddish-purple blossoms adorn graceful branches. As the seasons progress, heart-shaped leaves emerge - reddish at first, dark green in summer and canary yellow in autumn.
Redbuds are integral to American history. Native American boiled the bark for medicinal uses and ate the flowers raw or fried. George Washington was also fond of this early spring bloomer, transplanting many to his Mount Vernon gardens.
Honoring Trees invites us to reflect on the splendor of trees, the challenges climate change and human stresses pose to trees, and our opportunity to respond with creativity and courage. The exhibition is cosponsored by arboretums and nonprofit organizations including the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) which help plant and care for trees and educate others about the importance of trees to our future.
NEED A HAND, NEIGHBOR?
South Kensington Community Partners
COVID-19 INFORMATION
South Kensington Community Partners
Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone
-Text COVIDPHL to 888-777
New testing sites includes Health Center #6 and 11th Street Family Health
The Mayor and Health Commissioner today announced new testing sites in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, along with the Health Federation of Philadelphia, is working with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Philadelphia to expand testing capabilities in underserved communities.
List with locations and phone numbers here.
AFC Urgent Care Northern Liberties is NOW OPEN at 180 West Girard Avenue, Below ACME
To book a Virtual Visit online and to schedule an in-person visit, click here.
Open now 8:00am to 8:00pm
Call (267) 319-8047.
How Are Philadelphia Area Residents Coping With COVID-19? Take the Survey
In these difficult times, when everyone's lives are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can do something important for your family, friends, neighbors and community. Please take time to participate in our survey of the impacts of COVID-19. We need reliable information on the impact on work and health (physical and mental health) to effectively assess the needs of communities and support them better. Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.
Please clink on the link the complete the survey in English or Spanish .
Beware of these fake text messages and robocalls going around about the coronavirus
If you get a text message saying you've come into contact with someone who's tested positive for Covid-19, don't click the link.
It's a scam, and it's just one of numerous coronavirus-related scams. Read here. [CNN]
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
School District Meal Pickup Changed to Once a Week.
Same 49 locations, Thursdays only now, 9 a.m. – noon. Families will receive ten meals per student—five breakfasts and five lunches. List here.
The city 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.
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PAYMENTS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Community Legal Services has prepared this document to answer your questions. For a short version of this FAQ, please click here.
Estate Planning for Healthcare Workers
Philadelphia VIP is working to match essential healthcare workers with volunteer attorneys to create estate planning documents. If you meet the criteria, a Philadelphia VIP volunteer attorney may be able to help you create a will and other estate planning documents free of charge. More details here.
PA Unemployment Application Now Available for Self-employed/gig workers.
Click here for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) FAQs
INDEGO continues to operate as an essential transit option for Philadelphia,
serving frontline staff and others as they access critical resources. Bike share stations are located near health centers, grocery stores, pharmacies and community food pickup sites.
In response to COVID-19, Indego is offering 30-day passes at a discounted price of $5 ($2.50 for PA ACCESS card holders) for the first month. All monthly pass options provide riders with unlimited 1-hour rides. To sign up, visit www.rideindego.com and use promo code INDESAFE.
HAPPY ARBOR DAY From Old/South Kensington Tree Tenders!
South Kensington Community Partners
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
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.
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)
Philly 311 Hours
South Kensington Community Partners
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
South Kensington Community Partners
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Get COVID-19 updates sent to your phone:
-Text COVIDPHL to 888-777City 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
South Kensington Community Partners
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.
