Residents of the University City Townhomes, which are surrounded by high-priced properties near 40th and Market, have been told they have to leave the affordable housing complex so it can be sold to developers.

Residents of the University City Townhomes at 40th and Market, an island of affordable housing amid the frenzied development surrounding the University of Pennsylvania, have been told by the property’s owners that they will have to move to make way for more development. But City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and other elected officials stood with residents during a press conference to say they will fight for residents to stay.

“We are here to sound the alarm,” Gauthier said at a press conference at the complex on Thursday. “Considering the history of this site and the scarcity of affordable housing, it’s hard to fully capture in words what an injustice this is.” Continue Reading

City councilmember Jamie Gauthier is teaming up with former councilmember Jannie Blackwell and AHARI, a non-profit organization supporting veterans at-risk, to offer free food and winter gear (hats, scarves, gloves and socks) to anyone in need this Wednesday, Dec. 16 at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Larchwood). The event is scheduled due to the winter storm expected to hit our area tomorrow afternoon.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and go on as long as food supplies last. See the flier for more information.

Due to the inclement weather and cold temperatures setting in in the area this week, the City of Philadelphia has declared the first Code Blue of the cold weather season. If you see someone who needs shelter, please call the Philadelphia Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.

The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election in Pennsylvania is Monday, Oct. 19. If you’re eligible to vote, but haven’t registered yet, check out these four options. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s team is also offering delivery of voter registration forms and mail-in ballot applications to 3rd District residents (West and Southwest Philadelphia).

To request an application, residents can call her office at 215-686-0460 or fill out this form.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is launching a new Town Hall series to continue a dialogue with the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Town halls will take place every other Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The first town hall will be Thursday, April 16 and will focus on public benefits and how to access them. A representative from Benefits Data Trust will share information and answer questions about public assistance, including programs like WIC, unemployment, and Medicaid.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is inviting residents to join her at a 3rd District Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive the latest information on City services and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. There will also be an opportunity for small-group discussions.

The Town Hall will be accessible both via video chat and by phone. For more information about how to join in, click here. The event is co-hosted by University City Science Center and Venture Cafe Philadelphia.  Continue Reading

UPDATE (Thursday, March 12, 2020): Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier has postponed all upcoming Community Conversation meetings (see below) due to increasing concern over potential spread of COVID-19 at social events. Stay tuned for updates once new dates are confirmed.

Community members in West and Southwest Philadelphia have a chance to meet newly elected City Councilmember (3rd District) Jamie Gauthier. She is organizing a series of community meetings, beginning this Wednesday (March 11) in Cobbs Creek. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on issues that are important to them and to help inform Gauthier’s legislative agenda. Food and childcare will be provided.

The following meetings have been postponed until further notice:  Continue Reading