FREE Boxes of Food every Saturday

1501 Germantown Avenue
(Parking Lot of Al Aqsa Islamic Academy)
Starting at 4 pm

No ID or proof of income is needed. Distribution is "first come first serve" so it is best to arrive as close to 4 pm as possible. One allotment per family but you can pick up for an elder or neighbor. Offerings vary by week but can include fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, chicken, and eggs. Masks are required and we ask that you maintain social distancing to protect yourself, our neighbors and volunteers.

We are able to do some local deliveries (19122/23): Please leave a message at 215-427-3463.

THANK YOU to the City of Philadelphia and the Share Food Program and our partners The Arab American CDC. Much appreciation to neighborhood businesses Al Amana Grocery, Lost Bread, and Punch Buggy for their generous donations of time, space and product.

$eedMoney fundraising campaign for La Esquina.

Here is the link to the page, which you can look at but won't be live till Sunday:
https://donate.seedmoney.org/5144/la-esquina-community-garden (This campaign will start on Nov 15 2020 at 12:00 PM EST and will end on Dec 15 2020 at 12:00 PM EST)

The Tues and Thurs Open Garden will return, at 3pm, for composters, children needing a break from school, others needing a break from _____, food gatherers and passersby. There are collards and kale, plus microgreens like spinach, arugula, cilantro, lettuce. Herbs include dill, marjoram, thyme, oregano. Still open 10-noon on Saturdays, weather permitting.

SWEET POTATO FEST
“Just in time for Thanksgiving”
438 Jefferson Street
*** SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21, 10am till 2pm ***
PUT IN YOUR ORDER NOW!
Call: 215-221-2995 or Email: laesquinagarden@gmail.com
”Don’t wait till too late!”

FB: La Esquina Community Garden
email: laesquinagarden@gmail.com
La Esquina's parent non-profit is Olde and South Kensington Green Space, www.oskgreen.com

Fund Thanksgiving Turkeys for Neighbors in Need

Thanks to the generous spirit of the community, the AACDC and SKCP were able to exceed our fundraising goal of last week!

This means we will be able to provide turkeys as a part of the weekly food distribution to families who are struggling through these times.

Thank you to each of you who donated. Continued appreciation to the Share Food Program and to Lost Bread Co. And thanks to Ellie for organizing the GoFundMe effort!

Hancock Park ribbon cutting

It’s time to recycle your leaves.

Bagged Leaf Drop-Off will be offered city-wide, on Saturdays only at 13 citywide locations from 9 AM to 3 PM (except on November 14th and 28th). A designated fleet of sanitation compactors will be positioned at the sites to accept the bagged leaves. Crews assigned to accept ONLY bagged leaves and yard waste as part of the program. No household rubbish will be accepted. More here.

Closest location on American & Thompson Streets.

Housing Repair & Rental Improvement Programs

Philadelphia’s affordable housing strategy depends on repairing existing homes
Michaelle Bond, Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia’s housing stock is old and can be expensive to maintain — challenges in a city with a 23% poverty rate, incomes that aren’t keeping pace with rising home prices, and now a pandemic-induced recession.
Every home that becomes uninhabitable and abandoned or crumbles due to disrepair is one fewer home available to mitigate the affordable housing crisis.
City officials and housing advocates repeat a common sentiment: The most affordable house for residents is usually the one in which they already live because they don’t have to take on new debt or spend money relocating. So repairing existing homes is a key part of Philadelphia’s affordable housing strategy. Read here.

Grant programs
Through the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp.’s Basic System Repair Program, income-eligible homeowners can get repairs such as plumbing, electrical, structural, and roof work for free. Details here.

Restore, Repair, Renew loan program.
Homeowners with credit scores above 580 and who meet other criteria can get loans up to $24,999 and pay 3% interest. The program includes financial counseling, home assessments, and guidance throughout the renovations. It assists people who earn a little too much money to qualify for grant programs but may not have savings or can’t afford the higher interest rates of typical loans. Many wouldn’t qualify for loans at all. More details here.

The Rental Improvement Fund, a pilot program the city and the Impact Loan Fund started in May, provides loans to small landlords to make repairs to improve the quality and affordability of rental housing.
Read more here.

SKCP Fall 2020 Newsletter & Resource Guide

View here the newsletter

Fund Thanksgiving Turkeys for Neighbors in Need.

Over the past few months, the Arab-American Development Corps (AACDC) and the South Kensington Community Partners, (SKCP) have been distributing free food parcels to families in need at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Philadelphia. Every Saturday we serve healthy food for 250 families in our community and due to the hardships caused by COVID-19, we will be continuing to provide food assistance to these families over the months ahead.
As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to ensure every family has a special Thanksgiving meal. We want to provide a Thanksgiving turkey to every family but our funding is tight and we do not have the additional resources to provide the turkeys.

We need YOUR help! How you can help, clickhere.

SKCP Virtual Community Zoning Meeting

SKCP's RCO will host a virtual Community Zoning Meeting on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 at 6:30 PM. We will review 4 projects:

6:30 pm 1643-51 N 6TH ST
7:00 pm 1700 N HOWARD ST
7:45 pm 1400 N HOWARD ST
8:15 pm 1334 N HANCOCK ST

We will have limited time for questions during the meeting and we ask that questions be submitted ahead of time.

Project Plans will be posted SOON to the SKCP website. Please visit SKCP blog to review the projects, submit questions, and register for the meeting.

If you prefer, you may also sign up by calling South Kensington Community Partners’ office at 215-427-3463 and leaving a message with your name and number. SKCP will provide reasonable accommodation to any neighbor that requests additional assistance with joining the meeting or otherwise submitting feedback on the projects.

SKCP COMMUNITY ZONING VIRTUAL MEETING

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 18th at 6.30 pm.

To register for the meeting click here.

You may also sign up by calling South Kensington Community Partners’ office at 215-427-3463 and leaving a message with your name and number. SKCP will provide reasonable accommodation to any neighbor that requests additional assistance with joining the meeting or otherwise submitting feedback on the project.

The sites to be discussed at the meeting are the following:

• 6.30pm 1643-51 N 6TH STREET (info only), view here the plans.

• 7.00pm 1700 N HOWARD STREET, view here the plans.

• 7.45pm 1400 N HOWARD STREET, view here the plans.

• 8.15pm 1334 N HANCOCK STREET, view here the plans.

+ Click here to view the details for each site.

We will have limited time for questions during the virtual meeting. To ensure your question is answered, please review project materials in advance of the meeting and submit any questions to rco@southkensingtoncommunity.org and include the project name in the email subject line.

IRS extends Economic Impact Payment deadline to Nov. 21 to help non-filers

The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is now November 21, 2020 at 3 p.m. ET. This new date will provide an additional five weeks beyond the original deadline.
The IRS urges people who don't typically file a tax return – and haven't received an Economic Impact Payment – to register as quickly as possible using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here tool on IRS.gov. The tool will not be available after November 21.

Special note: This additional time into November is solely for those who have not received their EIP and don't normally file a tax return. For taxpayers who requested an extension of time to file their 2019 tax return, that deadline date remains October 15.

Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check. Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the Get My Payment tool, available only on IRS.gov.

Read more here.

UTILITY SHUTOFFS COMING SOON!!

Utility shutoffs are starting again in Philly. Here’s what to do if you’re behind on your bills.

Nick Vadala, Philadelphia Inquirer

If you’re behind on your utility bills, you could soon face a shutoff. Starting Nov. 9, Pennsylvania utilities are allowed to cut off nonpaying customers, ending a moratorium from the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

But don’t panic, you may be protected.
Service terminations, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted last month, can resume for PUC-regulated utilities PECO and PGW, says Joline Price, a staff attorney with Community Legal Services of Philadelphia’s energy unit. (The Philadelphia Water Department, which is not regulated by the PUC, is not allowed to shut off customers until April 1, 2021.) But if you’re low-income or financially struggling, you may be a “protected customer,” and be able to avoid a shutoff. It’s not automatic, however. You’ll need to be proactive and show that you should be protected, says Price.

So what do you need to do to avoid a shutoff? Click here to know what you need.

The Pennsylvania ban on utility shutoffs was recently updated, meaning some utility customers may start getting shutoff notices. However, many low-income customers should be protected from utility shutoff as long as they follow certain steps.

Click here to view the steps to follow.

Click here for more information about LIHEAP and to apply online click here.

PGW CONNECTS CUSTOMERS TO PAYMENT ASSISTANCE AS MORATORIUM ENDS

Beginning next week, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) will contact nearly 50,000 customers who are behind on their natural gas bills to connect them with PGW’s payment assistance programs, to make payment arrangements, or notify PGW of your household income to determine if you are eligible for protection from further action.
With the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission lifting its service termination moratorium on Nov. 9, the Commission required utilities to notify customers who may be at risk of termination for non-payment of available programs. PGW urges customers facing financial challenges to contact PGW immediately at 215-235-1000, Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to explore their options for maintaining service.
Among the payment assistance programs for customers is PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program (CRP), which was recently modified to further reduce monthly bill amounts for low-income customers enrolled in the program. CRP helps low-income households better afford their bills and receive forgiveness of past debt. Based on household income, customers enrolled in CRP could pay as little as 4 percent of their monthly income on their PGW bill.

More here.

Planting bulbs offers us the glimmer of hope that we all need

Spring bulbs can be planted within existing perennial beds. Pairings with spring-flowering perennials can be particularly effective. Here, Dutch garden designer Jacqueline van der Kloet has produced a hot color scheme with daffodils, tulips, wallflowers and spurges.

Adrian Higgins, Philadelphia Inquirer

Bulb-planting in the fall is always an act of hope. This year, it becomes a form of therapy. When the crocuses, daffodils, and tulips next flower, we will be assured of at least one thing: It won’t be 2020.
From a practical standpoint, it’s difficult to mess up with bulbs; they are little packages programmed to grow and bloom. All they need is some moisture and the enduring cold soil of winter to shoot up and flower early next year. The next few weeks are the prime bulb-planting season, but these wee packets of spring can go in anytime before the ground freezes. I’d get to this sooner rather than later, though. In the hyper-domestic pandemic paradigm, many people are jumping on bulb-planting as a way of doing something for and around their homes, and varieties are selling out.

Read more here.

Small Business Survey

The Federal Reserve is looking specifically for information around three main areas:

1. general information about your business,

2. how COVID has impacted sales, operations, or other areas,

3. your business forecast for the future.

Complete the Federal Reserve Bank’s Small Business Credit Survey by October 31st, and share how your business has been impacted by COVID-19.

Rent & Mortgage Assistance

To apply click here.

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Deadline for Rental Assistance applications extended until November 4th

There have been two rounds of rental assistance for Philadelphia tenants. One, Phase 2, is opened again for applications. The other, Phase 1, accepted applications in mid-May. In both phases the landlord must agree to participate.

If you applied for Phase 1 you can still apply for Phase 2. If you were selected for assistance in Phase 1 you can still apply for Phase 2. If you were found to be ineligible for Phase 1 you can still apply for Phase 2. Phase 2 has different guidelines, so it is possible to get assistance in both phases.
PHDC accepted applications for Phase 1 in mid-May. Tenants who applied can check the status of their application or ask for help.

More details here.

IF YOU KNOW A LANDLORD OR TENANT THAT DID NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE OF THE DEADLINE, PLEASE LET THEM KNOW THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!!!

DAO: Virtual One Stop Job & Resource Hub

Thursday, November 5th, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Link: zoom.us/j/91783044322
or call 301-715.8592
More information: G. Lamar Stewart glamar.stewart@phila.gov

VOTE!! News & Latest Updates

Election Protection & Info Hotlines

For information about voting or to report problems at your polling place, call:
Election Protection Hotlines

• ENGLISH 866-OUR-VOTE 866-687-8683

• SPANISH/ENGLISH 888-VE-Y-VOTA 888-839-8682

• ASIAN LANGUAGES/ENGLISH 888-API-VOTE 888-274-8683

• ARABIC/ENGLISH 844-YALLA-US 844-925-5287

More details here.

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Drop off your Mail in Ballot at your county Mail in Ballot return location now!

Where do I return my ballot or vote in person?

IMPORTANT: Voters who have not yet cast their mail or absentee ballot are urged to hand-deliver their voted ballots as soon as possible to their county election office or other county drop off location or drop box. Ballots must be delivered by 8pm on Election Day but the sooner the better.
Voters should no longer use postal service delivery as it is too late to guarantee your ballot will be delivered in time.

More details here.

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What to expect on Election Day
The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Who's on your ballot in Pennsylvania?
By now you know the familiar names that'll be on your ballot. For president, you'll see Trump-Pence, Biden-Harris, and a Libertarian ticket. But Pennsylvania will also select representatives for Congress, state legislature, and some statewide offices.

Election Day voting
If you plan to vote in person on Nov. 3, there are a few things you should do and know beforehand.

• You should check your voter registration info.

• Find your polling place. It might not be the same one you've gone to in the past.

• The voting machines might be different from what you've used previously.

• Bring an ID if this is your first time voting in your precinct.

• On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line to vote by 8 p.m., you should be allowed to cast a ballot.

Potential issues
There are also some voting issues that have popped up this year, that might not have been as widely discussed in the past — if at all. Some examples:

• You need to make sure your mail ballot isn't naked. (And, if you think you submitted a naked ballot, you can still make your vote count.)

• There are increased fears about voter intimidation.

• There are ways to engage friends and family who say they aren't going to vote at all.

Don't expect Pennsylvania's results right away
In Pennsylvania, there are key things that may remain unknown Tuesday night. For mail ballots, it's unclear how many will arrive after Election Day. We also don't know how turnout will differ across various areas and whether post-election litigation will impact the speed at which ballots are counted.
What you will and won't know on Election Night in Pennsylvania.

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Voting Info and Election Day Volunteering

MOST URGENT: IF ANYONE YOU KNOW HAS A MAIL-IN BALLOT NOT YET RETURNED, GET THEM TO COMPLETE AND RETURN IT NOW!! Dropbox or Election Office dropoff is ideal, if available; otherwise put into the mail today! Details in our Voting Essentials Guide in Item I below. Don’t let anyone miss this chance to determine our future.

I. Updated Info in these Gift Guides!
Linked here is a NEWLY UPDATED Voting Essentials Guide with all you need to know to vote correctly in PA (including how to find your polling location!), plus this Voting COVID Safety Guide. Please use and share freely.

Your vote matters - make it count, and stay safe!

II. Help Still Needed for Election Day - New Options!
Nonpartisan Election Protection Volunteers are needed all across Pennsylvania for Election Day to help ensure a safe and fair election. Some volunteers are still needed in Philadelphia and the collar counties, and if you’re willing to travel farther afield, that’s gold! Training is this week and weekend, so hurry!

Here are 2 options:
1 - Election Protection Volunteers will represent nonpartisan collectives working outside election sites to assist voter needs from fielding questions to handling long lines to alerting authorities to any problems. Come from any location. Virtual trainings. Here are 4 great groups still welcoming volunteers:
A - Volunteer with Working Families here (Philadelphia and statewide)
B - Volunteer with OnePA here (Philadelphia, Delaware and Allegheny counties)
C - Volunteer with CASA here (Montgomery, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, York counties)
D - Bilingual? Volunteer with Make the Road PA here (Philadelphia, Allentown and Reading)

2 - If you prefer to volunteer remotely, there are also nonpartisan Digital Election Protection Volunteer roles to monitor social media, phone and text hotlines. Sign up here.

NOTE: If you applied to be a poll worker or poll observer and haven’t heard yet, please register for this backup opportunity - this is an equally vital role! If you’re contacted last minute with a poll-worker placement, you can cancel your Election Protection Volunteer shift to spend Election Day as a poll worker, if you prefer.

School Immunization Clinics

The School Immunization Clinics will be held at 12 schools across the city on Wednesdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The school-based immunization clinics start on October 31 and end on November 21, 2020. The first 40 people to complete the vaccination process at each School Immunization Clinic will receive a FREE $10 CVS Pharmacy gift card!

View School Immunization Clinic Locations

To learn more about School Immunization Clinics, immunization requirements, and options available to students without insurance, please visit www.philasd.org/vax.

GUN BUY BACK & Bucks for Bullets

North Philly Gun Buyback & Bucks for Bullets
Moore's Memorial Baptist Church
1421 W. Dauphin Street
October 24, 2020
1:00pm - 5:00pm

Philadelphia FIGHT’s Institute for Community Justice will be partnering with the Mann Up Association and the Philadelphia Police Department’s 22nd District to host a Gun Buyback and Bucks for Bullets event.
Turn in guns & bullets, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, and get a ShopRite or Visa gift card!
For more information, contact ICJ’s Reentry Center Manager at apowell@fight.org at (215) 985-4448 ext 405. More details here.

L&I just announced changes to streamline the solar process

Julie Hancher, GreenPhilly

Getting solar in Philadelphia just got a little bit easier. The city announced today that solar projects will be allowed to use a new EZ permit for qualifying installations up to 10 kilowatts in capacity. Combined with a rollout of online permitting, it should be an easier, faster, and more affordable option.
Solarize Philly is offering an additional “EZ Permit Discount” of $250 to participants who sign a contract before November 30th. The Pennsylvania Energy Authority (PEA) encourages interested residents to sign up on Solarize Philly’s website, and candidates will be referred to Solar States for a free solar assessment. Households that qualify based on income will be invited to participate in the Solar Savings Progam, which pairs grants and financing for low-to-moderate-income households.

More details here.