What's happening in Kensington: Week of Feb. 2, 2026

Happy Black History Month, neighbors. Here's what’s happening this week.

Before we dive in, here’s a recap on news last week:

“Conwell should not be on that list:” Lozada, parents resist district’s plans to close two Kensington middle schools - The School District of Philadelphia announced on Jan. 22 that Conwell and Stetson middle schools are among 20 schools it plans to close starting in 2027. Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.

Philly school closure plan would move Kensington students to lower-performing schools - Philadelphia school leaders say the aim of their plan to close 20 schools is clear: give all students better opportunities and support school communities. But some members of the City Council say they’re already worried that the proposal would leave students and families in some neighborhoods of the city worse off, and that areas affected by school closures previously are being targeted again.

West Kensington Ministry leads immigrant justice vigil outside Philly ICE office - Faith leaders and community members braved the cold outside Philadelphia’s ICE office on January 28 in support of immigrants affected by increased ICE enforcement.

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This Week's Events

Mon., Feb. 2
- PA CareerLink job search assistance at Lillian Marrero Library (601 W. Lehigh Ave.) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. A Community Workforce Connector will provide one-on-one assistance with resume development, career counseling and more.
Thurs., Feb. 5
- Preschool storytime event at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) at 10:30 a.m. Children ages one through 5 and their caregivers are invited to read books, play games, more.
- Business tax prep workshop hosted by NKCDC at NKCDC’s Frankford Ave. Hub (2515 Frankford Ave.) at 1 p.m. The workshop will cover the changes to the Philadelphia business tax structure and the Free Business Tax Preparation program offered by the Commerce Department.
Fri., Feb. 6
- National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day event hosted by Prevention Point Philadelphia at 2913-15 Kensington Ave. from 12 to 2 p.m. Anyone who takes a free HIV test will receive a $10 McDonald’s gift card.

Monthly Community Meetings

East Kensington Neighbors Association — Third Monday at 7 p.m. at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2440 Frankford Ave.). Email info@ekna.org.

Harrowgate Civic Association — First Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center (3631 Amber St.). Email harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com.

Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) — Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center (851 E. Tioga St.).

Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) — Third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Block Church (2537 E. Monmouth St.). Email portrichmondna@gmail.com. No meetings in January, November, or December.

Somerset Neighbors For Better Living — First Monday at 6:30 p.m. (or following Monday if holiday) via Zoom. Email phillysnbl@gmail.com.

South Port Richmond Civic Association — Second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring (2733 E. Clearfield St.). More info.

Free Trainings

JEVS Project WOW — Free certified production training for young adults ages 18 to 24 without a high school diploma. Includes OSHA 10, a Production Technician Certificate, and a diploma through Penn Foster. Register here.

Mental Health First Aid Training — Free virtual certification training from DBHIDS, offered weekly. Register here.

Jobs

Are you hiring locally? Send job listings to khy@kensingtonvoice.com.

Green Building United — Program manager. Apply here.

City of Philadelphia — Multiple positions. View listings.

Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction — View listings.

Esperanza Health Center — View listings.

Every Good Gift — Part-time work for single mothers. Bring your baby (younger than 2) to work. Sewing and assembling gift products; training provided. Call 215-429-3750.

NKCDC — Housing Advisor, Part-Time Kensington Planning Connector, and more. View listings.

PennDOT — Engineers, equipment operators, inspectors, mechanics. Apply here.

PGW — Call Center Representative, Field Service Technician, and more. Apply here.

SEPTA — Skilled trades including Plumber and Millwright. Apply here.

Waste Management — Multiple positions, average $26/hour. Apply here.

Weekly Events

Mondays — Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club for children 8 and older from 6 to 7 p.m. No registration or experience needed. Contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.

Mondays and Fridays — Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group meets at The CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H St.) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. A healing space for women affected by gun violence and overdose, supported by Mural Arts and NKCDC. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com.

Mondays through Fridays — Norris Square Senior Center (2121 N. Howard St.) offers free daily activities for adults 60 and older from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Art, exercise, games, socializing. Breakfast is $1.25; lunch is $1.

Tuesdays — Impact Services is hosting winter arts & crafts programming every Tuesday from now until March 17 at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments and art supplies are provided.

Wednesdays — Esperanza Health Center and Rock to the Future is hosting free percussion classes every Wednesday from Jan. 21 to Feb. 11 at 4417 N. 6th St. from 4 to 5 p.m. Visit this link to register and learn more.

Funding Opportunities

Business Security Camera Program — Apply for the city's security camera program here. Additional upgrades available through the Storefront Improvement Program.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program — Security enhancements for nonprofits through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Apply here.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program — For older adults and people with disabilities 18 and older. Rebates from $380 to $1,000. Apply here.

Philadelphia Water Department Grants — Up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills through the PA Homeowner Assistance Fund. Apply here.

Services

Galaei — Free HIV & full panel testing every Wednesday 118 Fontain St. from 1 to 5 p.m. To schedule in advance, call 215-398-5003, or email staff@galaeiqtbipoc.org.

City of Philadelphia Free Food Sites — Free food for households, students, and older adults. No ID or income proof needed. Find a site.

Esperanza Health Center — Free pregnancy tests at Kensington and Hunting Park locations, plus help finding insurance for prenatal care. Call 215-302-3600 or visit esperanzahealth.com.

Filter Philly — Free air purifiers, masks, and COVID tests for local events and organizations. Contact filterphilly@proton.me.

Fresh Choice Food Pantry — Open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Center at Visitation (2646 Kensington Ave.). Coffee, snacks, vital checks, HIV and hepatitis C testing.

LIHEAP — Up to $1,000 for heating bills for income-eligible families. Apply online or by mail.

NKCDC Record Clearing Clinic — Tuesdays from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Kensington Empowerment Hub (2771 Ruth St., Suite 1). Meet with lawyers from Lawyers for Social Equity for free case review.

Temple University Youth Employment Project (YEP) — For out-of-school young adults ages 16 to 24. GED support and transition to employment or higher education. Must be a Philly resident with basic computer skills. Fill out the interest form.