SKCP news, April 7th - 13th
South Kensington Community Partners
The City's Eviction Diversion Program Now Includes Targeted Financial Assistance
Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA) is now available as part of the City's Eviction Diversion Program. Eligible landlords and tenants participating in the Eviction Diversion Program may be selected to apply for a one-time payment from the City to a landlord to cover a tenant’s overdue rent.
The City of Philadelphia's FREE Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) helps landlords and tenants resolve disputes and avoid going to court.
The benefits of participation in the Eviction Diversion Program are:
Tenants avoid an eviction filing or judgment on their record that could prevent them from accessing quality housing in the future.
Landlords save money by avoiding court fees and attorney expenses.
The court reduces caseloads, putting less strain on the court system.
Low-income renters and landlords are assisted with applications for rental assistance and other resources to stabilize their housing during the pandemic.
Landlords recoup back rent owed while avoiding vacancies and unit turnover costs.
For more info visit Eviction Diversion Program
SEPTA has released a revised new network map, which incorporates neighborhood feedback. SKCP advocated for maintaining service at current levels on American Street via the 57 bus and ensuring that one-seat ride connections continue to Old City and South Philadelphia. The proposed network map released in Fall 2022 had reduced service on the 57 and terminated the line at Spring Garden St, where riders would be required to transfer. The new map released last week incorporated this feedback, with direct service from South Philadelphia on 3rd/4th streets connecting to American St via Thompson/Master streets, and terminating at York-Dauphin Station, rather than continuing north as it currently does.
Opportunities to provide feedback are available online and through upcoming community meetings (virtual and in-person). Find opportunities here: https://www.septabusrevolution.com/get-involved/
See the schedule below for the new round of virtual and in person meetings.
In-Person Community Meetings
These events follow a community meeting format, with boards displaying the revised draft proposed network and opportunities for you to comment. Stop by any time!
4/5 Wed - 6PM-8PM - East Passyunk Rec (1025 Mifflin St)
4/12 Wed - 5:30PM-7:30PM - Kingsessing Rec Center (4901 Kingsessing Ave)
4/13 Thurs - 6PM-8PM - Mayfair Community Center (2990 St Vincent St)
4/19 Wed - 5:30PM-7:30PM - Bustleton American Legion (9251 Old Newtown Rd)
4/25 Tues - 4:30PM-6:30PM - J E. Coleman NW Regional Library (68 W. Chelten Ave)
4/26 Wed - 6PM-8PM - Dropsie College (2331 N Broad St)
5/3 Wed - 6PM-8PM - Guerin Rec Center (2201 S 16th St)
5/4 Thurs - 6PM-8PM - Community Center at Visitation (2646 Kensington Ave)
Area Focused Webinars
These events are held virtually through Zoom. They each focus on a different part of the SEPTA service area and include a presentation followed by a Q&A session.
4/3 Mon – North & South Philly – Register
4/17 Mon – West Philly & Center City – Register
4/24 Mon – Northwest Philly – Register
5/1 Mon – Northeast Philly – Register
5/8 Mon – Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties – Register
Where To Watch Philly Mayoral Candidate Forums
To get a better idea of what each candidate's vision of Philly looks like, various organizations across the city host forums to set the table for discussion and debate between candidates. (via The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Crosstown Coalitions Mayoral Forums
April 12th from 7-9pm
Prince Film Theater, Free
1412 Chestnut Street
RSVP at philacrosstown.org
Stream on Facebook
Vote Future Mayoral Forum
April 17th from 6pm-8pm
Colombia North YMCA
1400 North Broad Street
RSVP Here
Philadelphia Association of Black Journalist Mayoral Forum
April 20th from 6:30pm-8pm (Repeat Thursday, April 27)
Tune in live on PhillyCAM TV, Comcast 66/966 and Verizon 29/30.
