Hello there, neighbors.
We hope you all enjoyed your weekend. Here’s this week’s roundup.
News (in case you missed it)
Kensington leaders argue for neighborhood repair and safe spaces as prevention ahead of opioid settlement appeal
Community leaders and residents believe funding environmental conditions like home repairs, parks, and schools is a step toward repairing the harm the open-air drug market has caused the Kensington neighborhood.
But on June 20, the Pennsylvania Opioid Addiction and Abatement Trust – an independent body that oversees how local governments use opioid settlement dollars – voted that the city’s Kensington spending does not comply with federal guidelines.
The city is appealing the decision, and the trust’s dispute resolution board is expected to vote on Thursday.
Opioid trust ruling favors Kensington schools, parks, and housing relief, not home repairs or small businesses
The state trust overseeing Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement funds reversed part of its June decision that found Philadelphia’s Kensington spending non-compliant after city leaders presented their appeal on Thursday afternoon.
The trust ruled funding for Kensington schools, parks, and rent and mortgage relief compliant with federal guidelines. After a 15-minute private deliberation, the board maintained that funding for home repairs and small business support was non-compliant.
City Council members push for prison oversight committee, housing-centered solutions to homelessness, addiction
Jayme Walker has experienced neglect inside Philadelphia’s jails.
“You can bang on the door for hours, and nobody will answer,” said Walker, who was incarcerated inside the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center and the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in 2018.
Walker said he witnessed other people incarcerated there calling for medical attention and getting ignored.
“The [correctional officer] will come look in the cell, walk away, and say, ‘You're faking,’” Walker said. “The conditions are terrible there, and we definitely need to make some changes.”
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.
This Week at Kensington Voice
October 7, 6- 8 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Please join us at the “Kensington Voice Community Baby Shower” tonight, Monday, October 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a fun-filled day celebrating local parents, parents-to-be, and locally available family resources. There will be free diapers, raffles, career connection resources, and more. Register here.
Contact Aja Beech at aja@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30-6 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades six through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Youth are invited to join us for workshops and activities based on creative writing, journalism, poetry/spoken word, and visual storytelling. All students under the age of 18 must obtain permission from a parent or guardian to participate in after-school workshops and drop-in activities.
Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
*Our after-school programming will be closed on Monday, October 7.
Activities & Events
October 9
Councilmember for the 7th District, Quetcy Lozada, will be holding a Wednesday Workshop with a focus on utilities. Staff will be on hand at the 7th district office at 4821A Frankford Avenue from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to assist with questions or issues pertaining to a utility. Call the office at 215-686-3448 or email admin.lozada@phila.gov for more information.
October 10
Ray Philly is hosting its Second Thursday Open Studio at Ulises from 6 to 9 p.m. The artist studios at Ray Philly will have extended hours (6-8 p.m.) and free special events every second Thursday. Register and learn more here.
October 12
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting the sixth edition of its Latin American Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s event will feature a speech from Edgardo Miranda-Rodríguez, the creator of the Latinx comic book heroine La Borinqueña, along with presentations by other authors.
Thunderbird Salvage and Phila Flea Markets are hosting “Now + Then Marketplace Mega Market” at 2437 Frankford Ave. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will span three blocks and feature music, vendors, purchasable food, and more. Click here to learn more.
Harrowgate Civic Association is hosting its fourth annual Fall Festival at Harrowgate Park from 12 to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Feel free to come in costume with the kids and enjoy family activities, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treat tables, and more.
October 13
Hive 76 is hosting a 3D Printing Meetup from 4 to 6 p.m. Come in and meet other 3D printing enthusiasts. Click here to register and learn more.
Weekly Events
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, 6-7 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, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will be making arts & 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.
From now until October 8, Heitzman Recreation Center is hosting “Lady Wolves Intro to Sports” from 4 to 5 p.m. This program will introduce girls ages 10 to 14 to different sports, build confidence, and teach them about organized sports. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 215-537-3233 or email heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
From now until October 15, NKCDC’s Nourish team is hosting “ A Taste of African Heritage” cooking lessons every Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. From 4 to 4:30 p.m., the Nourish team will be in Tusculum Gateway Garden for activities in the garden before heading back to NKCDC’s office (2771 Ruth St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for cooking lessons and free samples for participants. Child care will be provided.
Wednesdays
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 and the stigmas they uphold surrounding race, 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. To register and learn more, click 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. Click here to apply and learn more.
Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC)
Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC) is currently supporting women 18 years and older in Philadelphia to apply to Fall pre-apprenticeship training at the Finishing Trades Institute - MAR from October 15 to November 21. This 6-week program is focused on skills required for careers in the construction trades and helps participants build the math and personal skills to qualify for apprenticeship work. WINC works to increase and advance the participation of women in the trades and connect them to job opportunities. Applicants must have a high school diploma/GED, a valid driver’s license, and pass a drug test. To apply and learn more, click 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). Click here to apply.
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. To learn more and apply, click 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. To apply and learn more, click here.
Jobs
Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club is hiring for multiple job openings. To apply, contact Libby Lascalleet at lescalleetl@bgcphila.org.
City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here.
The city is also hiring in multiple civil service jobs. Click here to apply and learn more.
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.
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is hiring OST soccer coaches for the upcoming season. To apply, send a resume to christian@kensingtonsoccer.org.
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.
Pathways to Housing PA
Pathways to Housing PA is hiring for several positions, including for a truck driver/warehouse assistant at the Philadelphia Furniture Bank at 3650 I St. Find listings and apply 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. Click here to apply.
Philadelphia Parks & Rec
Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. To apply and learn more, click 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. Click here to apply and learn more.
Waste Management
Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Click here to apply and learn more.
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
From 1:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for their Record Clearing Clinic. 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 years old into their 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. Click here to fill out their interest form.
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Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
