Community Life
Prevention Point hosts free HIV testing event to highlight racial disparities in care
Black Americans account for 40% of people living with HIV but are far less likely to be prescribed preventive medication.
Health & Wellness
Health news in Kensington, Philadelphia — covering the opioid crisis, addiction and recovery, mental health, harm reduction, healthcare access and food resources.
Community Life
At K&A, a free grocery store in Kensington gives shoppers 20 points twice a month
Customers at Greater Goods get 20 points twice a month and choose their own groceries. The only requirement to register is a photo ID.
Community Life
Accountability
“Conwell should not be on that list:” Lozada, parents resist district’s plans to close two Kensington middle schools
Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.
New nonprofit promises paid, yearslong mentors for kids in Kensington and North Philly
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
Community Life
Opioid settlement spending faces growing scrutiny as Pennsylvania awaits millions more
Counties battle uncertainty over funding rules while advocates and families push for an increased say in opioid settlement spending decisions.
Small Business
Philly launches $600K emergency grants to aid small grocers hit by SNAP shutdown
Applications are open through Dec. 31 on the Merchants Fund website. Priority will go to small, locally owned retailers operating in low-income neighborhoods.
Small Business
Philly’s only 2025 gift guide with spiritual consults, PPA evasion and a Kensington Jason Kelce tee
This year’s holiday gift guide highlights creative, hyperlocal gifts that support Kensington’s artists, makers, and small businesses.
Kids in Kensington
Fab Youth Philly gives teens first-time job experiences otherwise in short supply
Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains program empowers Kensington teens by paying them to lead educational play for younger children and helping them build job skills for the future, despite challenges like neighborhood safety.
Community Life
What does the future hold for the next Latine generation in Philadelphia?
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.
Accountability
New Kensington ‘fast-track court’ lands most with warrants, back into the cycle of addiction and homelessness
Kensington Voice collected and verified data on 87 people who were arrested during the first months of the program and tracked their journeys through the court. Most ended up with Wellness Court bench warrants after the city lost contact with them.
Kids in Kensington
Community conversation marks first of many to inform citywide 25-year plan
Klean Kensington is one of eight organizations citywide selected for the Department of Planning and Development’s “Philadelphia 2050: Planning Together” initiative.
Neighborhood Voices
Cuts to SNAP and SNAP-Ed: A war on Kensington families
. Cutting both direct assistance and evidence-based education is like declaring war on the people of Kensington. Food security means more than just access to food.
Small Business
On Kensington Avenue, The Medicine Shoppe offers more than quick pick-ups
The Medicine Shoppe on Kensington Avenue remains one of the few remaining places in the community to offer quality hospice partnership and medical care.
Public Space
Photos of Kensington: Basketball and Community at Trenton and Auburn Playground
Neighbors filled the sidelines at Trenton and Auburn Playground for a summer league game between the Jewtown Ballers and the Peacemakers.
Neighborhood Voices
You can rise again: Recovery is possible for those who are ready
September was National Recovery Month. Luis Soto shares his journey to sobriety and how working with others has helped him heal.
Arts & Culture
Harrowgate area to see art, improvements as part of citywide celebration for America’s 250th birthday
The Harrowgate area will see increased funding as part of the City of Philadelphia's celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Housing & Shelter
Are you exempt from the new SNAP work requirements? Here’s how to find out.
As of September 1st, people receiving SNAP benefits are required to work, volunteer, or be in an employment training program a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to continue receiving assistance. If they don’t comply and aren’t exempt, their benefits will terminate December 1st.
Accountability
Most of Philly’s opioid settlement money to go to Riverview Wellness Village recovery housing facility
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration plans to allocate more to Riverview than to all other opioid settlement money initiatives combined.
Small Business
‘Not bold enough’: Kensington muralist uses Vizion Art Gallery as home base for building community, reducing stigma
Vizion Gallery on Kensington Avenue offers artists a place to practice, vend and find community.
Housing & Shelter
A mother told us about her agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system. What happened next?
The ongoing story of one mother's agonizing journey with Pa.'s mental health care system
Accountability
Philly board of health approves city-wide permitting rules for mobile services
The Philadelphia Board of Health unanimously approved a regulation relating to Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s mobile services ban in Kensington. The health department will now oversee a permitting process for all mobile medical providers in the city.
Small Business
In Kensington, Botanica San Expedito offers candles, counsel and compassion
Longtime Kensington resident Ligia Rodriguez runs San Expedito Botánica — a neighborhood shop offering spiritual healing, warm meals and community care.
Arts & Culture
Overdose awareness march in Kensington pays homage to lost loved ones
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.
Small Business
Kensington native blends business models to bring fresh food to neighbors at Ava's Farm
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.