Applications are open through Dec. 31 on the Merchants Fund website. Priority will go to small, locally owned retailers operating in low-income neighborhoods.
Coming up this week, Santa is picture-ready for free photos at Scanlon Rec Center, local artists are hosting a skateboard-themed holiday art show and more events are underway. Check it out below.
Check out our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in the newsletter this week.
Recent News
Philly launches $600K emergency grants to aid small grocers hit by SNAP shutdown
Philadelphia officials announced a $600,000 emergency grant program aimed at helping small food retailers, corner stores, and grocers weather the financial strain caused by the federal government shutdown and interruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in October that SNAP payments were suspended due to the federal government shutdown. City and state officials moved quickly to bolster food banks and direct emergency funding to the program, but many enrollees still went without benefits for weeks.
Against Mayor Parker’s wishes, Council advances version of her housing plan
City Council on Wednesday advanced an updated $800 million bond measure for Mayor Cherelle Parker’s housing program that the mayor’s top deputies say she will not support.
The rupture between legislative leaders and the Parker administration over who should be able to qualify for certain forms of housing assistance could derail the Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., plan, the mayor’s initiative to build or preserve 30,000 units of affordable housing over four years.
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Free Activities & Events
Dec. 16
Christmas ornament workshop hosted by Impact Services at Hissey Playground (C Street & Indiana Avenue) from 3 to 5 p.m. Ornament supplies and hot cocoa are provided.
Dec. 17
Hub4Health resource fair hosted by Esperanza Health Center at the CORE (3222 H St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fair takes place every third Wednesday. There will be free food, clothing, housing resources and more.
Dec. 19
Christmas with Santa event hosted by Impact Services at Scanlon Rec Center (1099 E. Venango St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be free photos with Santa, gifts and more.
Dec. 20
“Save + Sort” volunteer day at The Resource Exchange (1800 N. American St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will help collect and repurpose items and materials for creative projects. Visit this link to register and learn more.
“Deck the Walls” skateboard holiday art show hosted by artist J.C. Zerbe at Vizion Gallery (3312 Kensington Ave.) from 1 to 5 p.m. The show will feature art from over 20 artists, and all art pieces will be for sale.
Dec. 21
Breakfast with Santa event hosted by Port Richmond On Patrol and Civic (PROPAC) at the Columbia Social Club (3621-29 Almond St.) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call Anne Paul at (215) 380-9782 to register and learn more.
Weekly Events
Mondays and Fridays
Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKCDCmeets at the CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H Street)) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to heal from trauma related to gun violence and overdose. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com to learn more.
Tuesdays
5th-7th grader Winter open-play hosted by Safe-Hub Philadelphia in its indoor soccer field, located at 1020 E. Venango St. from 5 to 6:30 p.m. This open play is for students in grades 5th through 7th and occurs every Tuesday from now until December 16. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Free yoga class hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE Fitness Center (3222 H. St.) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.
Wednesdays
8th-12th grader Winter open-play hosted by Safe-Hub Philadelphia in its indoor soccer field, located at 1020 E. Venango St. from 4:30 to 6 p.m. This open play is for students in grades 8th through 12th and occurs every Wednesday from now until December 17. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Monthly Community Meetings
East Kensington Neighbors Association meets every third Monday in person at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave.) at 7 p.m. Contact info@ekna.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.
Free Trainings
Applications are open for Esperanza Health Center’s Nurse Practitioner Residency Program. The program offers a full-time, 15-month, salaried position, training in primary care and specialty health care (HIV care and OB-GYN), weekly sessions and mentorship. The application deadline is January 31. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Jobs
Educators for Education is hiring Safe Path Monitors for schools across the city. The job offers paid training, holidays and weekends off, and requires applicants to be 21 years or older. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Every Good Gift, a faith-based organization, has part-time jobs available for single mothers. Single moms with a child under age 2 may bring their baby to work with them. Paid positions involve sewing and assembling gift products, and training is provided on the job along with computer skills and a job preparedness curriculum. For more information call 215-429-3750
Services
City of Philadelphia has a list of free food sites across the city. The list includes sites that provide free food for households, students and older adults. No ID or proof of income is needed at the food sites. Visit this link to find a food site near you and learn more.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
