Hi there, neighbors.

The school year has officially begun for some schools in the city. We’ve got another list of events and resources for you to check out after you drop the littles off.

See below.

Recent News

Pruning for paving? Or trees in trouble?

Have you witnessed damaged trees in your neighborhood as a result of maintenance work? You can report it here.

Trees varying in age and species line Houghton Street in Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood, which is scheduled to be repaved this fall. To prepare for the road work, a large “milling” machine — operated by city contractors — will roll through the neighborhood, removing the street’s top layer of asphalt and demolishing anything else in its path.

Read more here. And check out the original story from Green Philly.

Opinion | Ending drug tourism in Kensington starts with calling the drugs what they are: poison

Drug tourism stresses the city’s resources. The police, the health department, and temporary housing providers are all maxed out during the summer months. We need to make gains now to tackle the overall drug situation. Those that come here for the summer often get addicted to the poisonous cocktail found in Kensington, and this addiction keeps them locked in the neighborhood.

With the FIFA Club World Cup coming to Philly in summer 2026, we’re going to have tourists coming in. Possibly “misery tourists,” who come up to Kensington for a day and shoot video of the Kensington “zombies.” It’s a real thing, and we can expect an influx of it from everyone from Dr. Oz to everyday influencers.

Read more from Kensington youth mentor Bryan Belknap here.

News Tips

Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.

Free Activities & Events

August 25

Diabetic Prevention Program information session hosted by NKCDC and the Health Federation of Philadelphia at 2446-68 Coral St. from 5 to 7 p.m. The Diabetic Prevention program is a year-long program centered around developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage diabetes, stress, exercise and meal prep. This information session, followed by another information session on August 28, will inform folks of the details of the program, including requirements for completion and eligibility. Visit this link to register and learn more.

August 27

Social services open office hours at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A social worker will be present to help individuals find, navigate, and connect to relevant community and government agencies.

August 28

Diabetic Prevention Program information session hosted by NKCDC and the Health Federation of Philadelphia at 2446-68 Coral St. from 5 to 7 p.m. The Diabetic Prevention program is a year-long program centered around developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage diabetes, stress, exercise and meal prep. This information session will inform folks of the details of the program, including requirements for completion and eligibility. Visit this link to register and learn more.

August 29

Block-to-school party at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) at 3 p.m. The party’s theme is based on the Minecraft video game, and will include games, food and more information about the upcoming Minecraft club at the library.

August 31

Morning story time hosted by H&H Books from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Child educator Adrienne Barnett (Ms. AJ) and special guest Miss Margaret will read books, play with toys with kids of all ages and more. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Weekly Events

Mondays and Fridays

Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKDCDC meets at Community Center at Visitation (2646 E. Kensington Avenue) 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.

Thursday

Teen mentorship program hosted by Timoteo Sports at The CORE (3222 H St.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens ages 12 to 18 and provides participants with goal setting, character development and confidence building. Food will be provided. Visit this link to register your teen 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.
Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.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.

Funding Opportunities

The Kensington Business Assistance Program is accepting applications from small businesses. The NKCDC program offers financial services, legal support, marketing, tech support and more. Learn more and apply here.
The Philadelphia Department of Commerce is offering its Small Business Catalyst Fund to qualifying small businesses. The grant for each business could go up to $50,000 and includes business education and technical support. To qualify, your business must be located in Philadelphia, be up to date on city taxes or have been approved for a tax payment agreement, and be registered and licensed with the City of Philadelphia. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
The Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation and the Caring People Alliance are offering one-time financial assistance grants to single-parent families for up to $1,000. Applicants must show proof of income, proof of residency and proof of single-parent status. Applications close September 8. Visit this link to apply and learn more.

Services

El Centro High School serves students ages 16-21 who previously disengaged from their high school education. The free program does not follow a standard four-year trajectory, and students are able to graduate in 1.5 to 3 years. Enrollment is open on a rolling basis and classes begin Aug. 25. Visit this link to find out more.