A free series includes weekly workshops running through December 13th, covering a range of housing topics–from local organizing to statewide housing policy–focused on creating “affordable and accessible” housing. All workshops are held at the Kensington Engagement Center.
From South to North Philadelphia, resilient residents shared the hopes and fears of the Latine community. Their concerns range from gun violence and economic disparities to aspirations for education and the pursuit of a better future.
Izabela Mendez performs during the Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center’s student recital in North Philadelphia on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
Halloween is this Friday, and community orgs are rolling out the last spooky-themed events for the season. Coming up this week, we found a few trick-or-treat events, Safe-Hub Philly is hosting its second community soccer tournament of the year and there’s a lot more 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
New Kensington ‘fast-track court’ lands most with warrants, back into the cycle of addiction and homelessness
Kensington Neighborhood Wellness Court is a fast-track court that targets unhoused people who use drugs by arresting them for low-level crimes and offering either diversion to drug treatment or a same-day trial. Mayor Cherelle Parker launched the initiative in January when she signed an executive order that allowed the Philadelphia Police Department to take people in Kensington into custody for minor offenses such as public intoxication or obstructing the highway, which previously incurred a ticket.
Legal experts, community leaders and outreach workers have publicly raised concerns about the ethics and effectiveness of the program. They criticize using police and the courts as points of entry to services for people who are in the throes of addiction and not voluntarily seeking help.
Community conversation marks first of many to inform citywide 25-year plan
The Kensington community came together for a neighborhood visioning kickoff event Thursday. It was part of a larger effort from nonprofit Klean Kensington and the City of Philadelphia to gather resident input on a new “comprehensive plan” for the city.
Klean Kensington is one of eight community partners citywide selected for the Department of Planning and Development’s “Philadelphia 2050: Planning Together” initiative.
Photos of Kensington: Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center showcases student performances
The Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center brought students, families, and neighbors together in North Philadelphia for a recital marking the end of its bomba and plena music and dance classes. Kids and adult performers took the stage to share what they learned through traditional Puerto Rican rhythms and movement. The event, held on April 12, 2025, celebrated the continuation of bomba and plena traditions in Philadelphia.
The Small Business Storytelling Project is a collaborative initiative produced by Kensington Voice in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) and funded by LISC Philadelphia. The project aims to highlight and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kensington through original reporting and photography.
Last week, we published a story about Waxery, a local candle-making activity space opened by a Kensington Native to uplift her community. Check out this story and our other Small Business Spotlights here.
News Tips
We could use your help with a story we’re working on. Kensington Voice is looking for Kensington residents who did not graduate high school but got or are getting a GED. It’s for a story about economic mobility in the neighborhood. If that’s you, shoot a note to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Want to write an op-ed? Hit up that same email with your ideas!
Free Activities & Events
Oct. 28
“Turning Pain into Purpose” domestic violence awareness event hosted by The Apologues and The Office of Public Safety at The Apologues Center (2037 E. lehigh Ave.) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is being held to honor domestic violence victims and uplift survivors through art and collective action.
Oct. 29
Recruiting event hosted by Esperanza at PA Career Link North (4261 N. 5th St.) from 4 to 7 p.m. Esperanza is hosting this event to hire people for positions like Job Developer, Director and more. You must be proficient in both English and Spanish, and you must have a one-page resume with you to apply. Contact Ashley Allen at (215) 967-9711 ext. 3066, or Jessica Gonzalez at (215) 967-9711 ext. 3030 to learn more.
Trunk-or-treat and free coat giveaway event hosted by Concilio at its main building’s parking lot (141 E. Hunting Park Ave.) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Register for a free coat here.
Oct. 30
Trunk-or-treat event hosted by Safe-Hub Philadelphia at Harrowgate Plaza (3528 I St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be trick-or-treating, Fall activities and more.
Oct. 31
Trick-or-treat event hosted by Somerset Neighbors For Better Living at The Butterfly Lot (Somerset and Jasper Streets) at 4 p.m. Costumes are not required.
Area 51 Halloween at Emerald Street Community Farm (2300 Emerald Street) at 5 p.m. Costumes encouraged and trick-or-treating available.
Nov. 1
Fair Play Community Cup hosted by Safe-Hub Philadelphia at Scanlon Recreation Center (1099 E. Venago St.) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a soccer tournament featuring values-based soccer groups from across the city, free resources and more.
El Bembe Celebration hosted by Termite TV Collective at Las Parcelas (2248 N. Palethorp St.) from 2 to 6 p.m. This event is in celebration of “Places of Power: Las Parcelas and Villa Africana Colobó Garden,” A project created by Termite TV Collective & Norris Square Neighborhood Project. There will be live artwork, live music and more.
Nov. 2
Dia de los Muertos at Cantina La Martina (2800 D Street). On Cantina La Martina’s closing day, join for free kids arts and crafts, dancing, performances and a Best Dressed Catrina Contest. Food is available for purchase throughout the day.
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.
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
Free Zumba class hosted by Esperanza Health Center at the CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Esperanza Health Center is hosting free classes every Thursday in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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.
Jobs
The City of Philadelphia is hiring School Crossing Guards. The job includes paid time off, uniform allowance, pension benefits and more. 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
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.
