Organizers and community members marched from Huntingdon Station to Prevention Point Thursday in memory of those who have died from overdose. The annual event is part of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s sweeping $2 billion housing plan—the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative aims to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over four years in response to the city’s housing crisis.
Heather McBride, store manager and site supervisor, shows her daughter, Jaylee, a pair of Phillies socks at Ava’s Farm in Kensington on July 22, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
It’s a lighter week on events for us, but there’s always something happening in the neighborhood. Check out our Facebook and Instagram profiles to find anything that doesn’t make it in this newsletter this week.
Anyway, here’s your weekly roundup.
Recent News
Overdose awareness march in Kensington pays homage to lost loved ones
A crowd of roughly 70 people followed a drumline down Kensington Avenue last night, holding purple balloons and homemade signs displaying the faces of deceased loved ones for the 2025 International Overdose Awareness Walk of Remembrance.
Grassroots organizations such as Operation Save Our City, The Everywhere Project and Philly Unknown Project collaborated on this year’s event, which dates back to 2017. The march began at Huntingdon Station, paused at Sunshine House drop-in center on Kensington Avenue to light candles, and ended at Prevention Point’s Love Lot for a recitation of the names of those lost to overdose.
What the mayor's new affordable housing plan could mean for Kensington
Mayor Cherelle Parker’s sweeping $2 billion housing plan—the Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) initiative—was approved in June alongside the city’s $6.8 billion budget. The initiative aims to preserve and create 30,000 housing units over four years to address the city’s housing crisis.
To expand production of new rentable and purchasable units, the plan includes strategies to streamline development processes, such as incentives for developers, zoning reform, and speedier public land sales and transfers in coordination with the Philadelphia Land Bank and other groups.
Kensington native blends business models to bring fresh food to neighbors in need
Austin Wright grew up in Kensington as the son of a businesswoman. His mother owned a daycare center and several other businesses in the neighborhood. As a child, he would walk from his home near G Street and Allegheny Avenue and could buy anything he needed without leaving the neighborhood.
As an adult, he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in food safety and quality assurance, and he worked for large food corporations like Campbell’s and Perdue. Wright has lived all over the country, but building his own business close to his childhood home was always his dream. So, he created Ava’s Farm on the corner of Front and York streets.
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Free Activities & Events
Sep. 3
Miniature Paint Day hosted by Hive 76 at 1821 E. Hagert St. from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees can bring in miniature figures or small canvases or be supplied with them. Airbrushes, paintbrushes, and a high-resolution 3D printer are provided. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Sep. 4
Small business Information session hosted by Finata from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit this link to register for this week’s session and future ones.
Sep. 6
“Philly Got Barz” hip-hop event hosted by hip-hop artists Queen Yaszy B and Trizzy The Mouth at 3525 I St. from 5 to 8 p.m. Folks are invited to watch local rappers from across the city compete in rap battles and share their lyrical talent. Visit this link to register and learn more.
Sep. 7
Feria Del Barrio festival hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño at 2600 N. 5th St. from 12 to 5 p.m. There will be live musical performances, arts and cultural vendors and more.
Writing group hosted by H&H Books at 2230 Frankford Ave. from 2 to 4 p.m. The group is open to writers of all levels and genres. 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 NKDCDCmeets 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.
Wednesdays
Free writing group hosted by new board game cafe BUBS at 102 W. Berks St. from 6 to 8 p.m. The writing group is for individuals who require a space to write without distractions. Attendees set a goal, focus for 45 minutes, and then engage in peer-to-peer conversation about their writing.
Thursdays
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 Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is offering the Violence Prevention Grant from now until September 19. This application round seeks to support local, community-based organizations whose missions are focused on STEM Education, Youth in Technology, Vocational Training for Youth and Young Adults, Parent Training, and Family Violence. To learn more, contact GrantMakingServices@PhilaFound.Org and GLamar.Stewart@Phila.Gov.
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.
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.
Backpack season is underway! We’ve got lots of places for you to scoop up new school supplies before classes start – plus a few opportunities to get wet and cool off on hot days.
