Hello there, neighbors.

New week, new things happening in the neighborhood. Check out what’s going on below.

News (in case you missed it)

City clears I-95 encampments, forcibly displaces at least 14 people in Port Richmond

City officials cleared two Port Richmond encampments near Interstate 95, where at least 20 people had been living along Allegheny and Westmoreland avenues.

The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) connected 10 people to services, while four declined assistance, according to city spokesperson Sherylle Linton Jones. The city declined to share details on the housing, treatment programs, or other services offered. 

Read more here.

Have a story you think we should know about? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com. 

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6-7 p.m.
Where: McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave.
Contact: chalmerst@freelibrary.org

Harrowgate Civic Association
When: Every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St.
Contact: harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com

Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 

Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Block Church at 2537 E. Monmouth St.
Contact: portrichmondna@gmail.com

Somerset Neighbors For Better Living
When: Every first Monday of the month (unless it's a holiday, in which case they meet the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com

*There is no SNBL meeting in December.  

South Port Richmond Civic Association
When: Every second Wednesday from 7-8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street

Find more on the meeting here.  

Activities & Events 

Have an event that should be in our Monday newsletter? Please send any information, fliers, photos, or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.

November 19

Interested in working for the city? The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Human Resources (OHR) will be tabling at the Kensington Library starting at 11 a.m. Come and learn what jobs are available, what benefits they include, and more.

November 20

McPherson Square Library is hosting a chicken storytime event from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Bring the family and listen to storytime with fellow community members and live chickens.

November 21

¡Presente! Media is hosting its “Cuéntame” screening at Taller Puertorriqueño from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The screen will showcase some of ¡Presente!’s productions from the past four years, highlighting stories from the Latin community. Register and learn more here.

November 22

ULISES is hosting a book launch and reading of “Who is in the Room” by Brooke O’Harra from 6 to 8 p.m. “Who Is In the Room? Queer Strategies for Redefining the Role of the Director” explores directing as an artistic practice, investigating how it can bring people together. Register and learn more here.

November 23

NextFab is hosting its fourth annual “Miracle on American Street” holiday gift market at 1800 N American St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be make-and-take activities, vendors, giveaways, and more. Register and learn more here.

By Faith, Health and Healing, Inc. is hosting its “Day of Comfort” Thanksgiving event at Community Center at Visitation from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be food, games, face painting, and more. Register and learn more here.

November 24

The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association will be distributing hoagies and clothing to the unhoused community at McPherson Square Park. The organization is inviting anyone interested to come out to help with the distribution. Preparation will take place at Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (LAVA), located in West Philly, at 8 a.m. The distribution will happen at 11 a.m. at McPherson. Register and learn more here.

Weekly Events

Mondays & Wednesdays

Esperanza Health Center and Philadelphia Youth Basketball are hosting a free basketball afterschool program on Mondays and Wednesdays at The Core Gym (3222 H St.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The program is for kids in grades 5 to 8 and offers basketball-related activities, skill learning, and mentorship. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register online here.

Monday-Friday 

The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 and older on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided—$1.25 for breakfast and $1 for lunch.

Mondays 

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov. 

Tuesdays

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts free art classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will make arts and crafts. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov or call 215-537-3244.

The Food Trust is hosting a Farmer's Market at 4th St. and Lehigh Ave. every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every week, The Food Trust’s nutrition educators visit this farmers market to show you how to make a delicious, nutritious seasonal recipe — plus hand out free taste tests and prizes.

Wednesdays

From now until November 21, Impact Services is hosting free volleyball activities at Hissey Playground from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Theodore, the Impact Play Mobile, will also be available for activities.

Every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Galaei hosts its weekly discussion group, “Code Grindr,” in person at its location. This discussion group will unpack the negative impact that hookup apps have, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race and gender identity, and the harm they cause people. 

Looking for more open mics in the neighborhood? Tina’s Tacos hosts an open mic and live-band karaoke night every Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Come by and show off your vocal skills or enjoy some local talent.

Fridays

The Sunday Love Project is hosting “Crochet for Beginners” classes for adults and children ages 10 and up from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3206 Kensington Ave. The classes are free, and supplies will be provided.

Saturdays

NKCDC and The Health Federation of Philadelphia are partnering to host “The Diabetic Prevention Program” at Firm Hope Baptist Church on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. The year-long lifestyle change program focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage things like diabetes, stress, exercise, and meal prep. If you are 18 or older and are at risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you qualify for the program. Enjoy light refreshments, taste tests, raffles, and more. 

West Kensington Ministries is hosting Zumba classes every Saturday at 10 a.m. All are welcome, and the entry fee is pay-what-you-can.

Sundays

Izlas Food Truck is hosting its Salsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 to 9 p.m. Join fellow community members in learning the art of salsa and enjoying Latin music. Click here to register and learn more.

Free Trainings

JEVS Project WOW

JEVS Human Services is offering its free Project WOW Certified Production Training Program to young adults ages 18 to 24 who did not complete a high school diploma. This program offers hands-on training in OSHA 10, a Production Technician Certificate, a High School Diploma through Penn Foster, and more. Register and learn more here.

Mental Health First Aid Training

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) offers free training for those interested in earning a Mental Health First Aid certification. The virtual training is facilitated weekly. Register here.

Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19 is currently accepting applications for their Philadelphia training center. Earn money while you learn a new trade and learn from experienced professionals in the field. To learn more, apply here.

Funding Opportunities

Block beautification

As part of the Keep It Clean Philly campaign, the city is offering funding to block captains the PMBC Block Captain Beautification Grant to beautify their block. The grant amount can be as much as $500 and is only available to block captains registered through the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC). Learn more here.

Business Security

Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the city’s Business Security Camera Program. If your company wants additional upgrades, check out the Storefront Improvement Program.

Nonprofits can also apply for security enhancements through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.  

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is offering the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to older adults and people with disabilities ages 18 and up. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000. Learn more and apply here.

Philadelphia Water Department State Grants

The Philadelphia Water Department has grants available for its Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund. Eligible homeowners can get up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills. Apply and learn more here.

Jobs

Are you hiring locally? You can send all job listings and links to khy@kensingtonvoice.com

City of Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here.

Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction

The Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction has several job openings available. View listings and apply here. 

Esperanza Health Center

Esperanza Health Center has several job openings available. View listings and apply here.

New Kensington Community Development Community 

NKCDC is hiring for several full-time positions, including Housing Advisor, Part-Time Kensington Planning Connector, and more. View listings here. 

PennDOT

PennDot is hiring new engineers, equipment operators, inspectors, and mechanics. View listings and apply here. 

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

PGW is hiring for multiple positions, including Call Center Representative, Field Service Technician, and more. Apply here.

Philadelphia Parks & Rec

Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. Learn more and apply here.

Safe-Hub Philadelphia

Safe-Hub is hiring soccer coaches. Head coaches are paid $22 per hour, while assistant and flex coaches are volunteer positions. Apply here. 

Septa

Septa is hiring for multiple skilled trade positions, such as Plumber and Millwright. Apply here.

Waste Management

Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Apply here.

Services

Filter Philly

Filter Philly provides free air purifiers, masks, and tests to local events and organizations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. If you’d like to be supplied with a free purifier or equipment, contact filterphilly@proton.me.

Fresh Choice Food Pantry

The Community Center at Visitation’s Fresh Choice Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additional offerings include coffee, light snacks, free vital checks, HIV testing, and Hepatitis-C testing. 

LIHEAP

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are now open. Income-eligible families could receive up to $1,000 to pay for heating bills. Apply online or by mail. 

NKCDC

NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for its Record Clearing Clinic from 1:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. Clients can meet with lawyers from the Lawyers for Social Equity organization to have their cases reviewed to see if they can be cleared of any records.

Youth Employment Project (YEP)

Temple University’s Youth Employment Project (YEP) is looking to enroll out-of-school young adults ages 16 to 24 in its program to support them with earning their GEDs and transitioning to employment or higher education. Requirements include being a Philadelphia resident, highly determined and self-motivated, and having a basic understanding of computer skills. Go here to fill out their interest form.

Support our work! 

Our newsletter, journalism, and programs are all made possible by grant funding and the support of our readers. Become a paid member or make a donation to ensure our important community-based work continues.

We are also always looking for volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.