The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC) have announced a second phase of rental assistance for tenants affected by COVID-19. PHDC will begin accepting applications on Monday, July 6.

The first phase of rental assistance was able to assist more than 4,000 tenants. However, nearly 13,000 tenants applied to the program. Phase 2 will allow about 6,300 more renters to get help.

Funding for the program comes from the federal CARES Act. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is distributing funds to each county in the state. Philadelphia’s share is $28.45 million.  Continue Reading

A special one-day event will support West Philadelphia’s underserved community as COVID-19 restrictions have started to relax in the city. This Friday, June 26, from 8:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m., the Family Practice and Counseling Network (FPCN) will be offering free COVID-testing event at Church of Faith at 38th and Brown Streets. Testing will be available to all – no symptoms, no insurance, no PCP (primary care provider) and no referrals will be required.

Here are more details:

• From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Residents age 65 and older (first come, first served).

• From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Everyone.  Continue Reading

As the School District of Philadelphia plans for the upcoming academic year, they are asking parents/guardians, students, community members and school and District staff members to participate in an online School Reopening Survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete. The survey is seeking feedback on remote learning experience and what’s most important for the safe return to school buildings.

A final decision about the 2020-2021 school year is expected to be announced in July. The decision will be based on the following set of principles: the health and safety of students and employees, the consistent delivery of high-quality educational experiences for all students and the engagement of the School District community.  Continue Reading

Andy Niedermeier Social Distancing Concert. May 3, 2020. (Photo credit: Helena Grace)

Many people are finding life under social distancing isolating. However, my block has made homebound life into an opportunity to come together as a community. My name is Andy Niedermeier, and while I should have been away at college, I have come to cherish this time bonding with my neighbors.

It began when some of the younger kids on my block had birthdays. Parents of the birthday children asked if some of the neighbors could come out to their porches and sing ‘Happy Birthday’ together at an appointed time. These birthday celebrations turned out bigger than planned. The sidewalks were covered with chalked birthday wishes and people from almost every house on block came out onto their porches to sing. I was moved by this sweet gesture, which brightened what could have been a disappointing birthday for these kids. This is now custom – bringing the block together to give birthday wishes to neighbors young and old.  Continue Reading

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has released data that shows that nursing home facilities accounted for more than two thirds of the state’s death toll of just over 4,620 so far. That percentage is lower in Philadelphia, which accounts for the largest percentage of the cases in the state. The long-awaited numbers show that at least 40 people died in West Philly nursing homes.

The following nursing and rehabilitation centers have reported COVID-19 cases and deaths among their residents:  Continue Reading

Restaurant owners and operators are no doubt planning ahead while we wait for CDC guidelines and city and state guidance on re-opening. In the meantime, the University City District (UCD) wants to help restaurants prepare to re-open once they’re permitted to do so, and to hear from owners about their needs during the recovery.

UCD has been working with the Commerce Department and business improvement districts throughout the city to think through options for local restaurants. They’ve put together a survey to help get a better sense of the needs of restaurants so they can help them get operational as soon as possible. UCD is asking for restaurant operators to take a few moments to complete a short survey. The information provided will help UCD target efforts to aid the University City restaurant community.

They have already heard from some restaurants, but are encouraging many more to participate in the survey.

Too access the survey, click here. It only takes a few minutes to complete.