We’re Listening – Broke in Philly

Soft skills, tech jobs: What Philly can learn from Albuquerque’s anti-poverty push

October 29, 2018

From Technical.ly: Why Albuquerque? Because despite how modest a 3 percent drop in poverty rates may seem, lessons can be gleaned from their local approach, which has been lauded by the Kellogg Foundation and the Obama White House. Given Philadelphia’s stubborn 25.9 percent poverty rate, and the lackluster results of current efforts, we’d be remiss to turn a blind eye to the lessons other cities might contribute. (Read more.)

In an ‘out-of-school-time desert,’ organizers connect kids to opportunities

September 25, 2018

From PlanPhilly: Lisa Hall never did any extracurriculars while in school. She wants to change that for her two young children. “I think it exposes them to new things and I hope they find out they’re passionate about something,” said Hall, who lives in Southwest Philadelphia. (Read more.)

In the city’s poorest neighborhoods, libraries close earlier and more often

September 20, 2018

An examination of Free Library of Philadelphia branch operating hours showed that neighborhood branches in communities with high poverty rates often close earlier and more often than those in areas with low poverty rates. (Read more.)

How reverse mortgages can hurt, rather than help, aging Philly homeowners

August 28, 2018

From Philadelphia Media Network: While some say reverse mortgages are useful because they allow the elderly to age in place, many others have recounted harrowing experiences — including foreclosures. (Read more.)

To prevent chronic homelessness, Philly nonprofit offers some young adults more than shelter

August 20, 2018

Jerome Maynard’s two-bedroom apartment in Roxborough is a special place — not because of the beige carpeting and white walls, but simply because it’s his. (Read more.)

Home visits from education experts are improving outcomes for Philly kids in poverty

August 9, 2018

From Generocity: On a home visit, a service provider visits an expecting mother or a parent and young child in their home to discuss maternal health, early childhood development and parent coaching. According to a report by the National Home Visiting Resource Center, these programs can improve infant health, parent-child relationships and early childhood education. (Read more.)

Introducing: We’re Listening!

June 14, 2018

From Broke in Philly: Today, we’re announcing two new features on our site: The ear icon [👂🏽] and “We’re Listening” category. All stories that originated with a question, idea or tip from our audience will be tagged and identifiable so that you can make sure we keep up this part of our project. (Read more.)

This Philly housing project helps residents double their income 👂🏽

June 12, 2018

From Billy Penn: The Women’s Community Revitalization Project offers 282 units and a slew of community services.
We learned about this story thanks to a reader like you. We’re listening. 👂🏽 (Read more.)

The power of coachingThis Philly housing project helps residents double their income 👂🏽

June 1, 2018

From The Philadelphia Citizen: Women’s Way is bringing an innovative Delaware financial literacy model here to give economic tools to the poorest—and potentially most powerful—population in the city: Women.
We learned about this story thanks to a reader like you. We’re listening. 👂🏽 (Read more.)

Philly officials: DHS proposal would penalize legal immigrants for kids’ public assistance 👂🏽

May 21, 2018

From WHYY: The proposed policy would take into consideration the person’s use of non-cash assistance programs, including heating assistance; food assistance programs such as SNAP and WIC; the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); as well as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), among others.
We learned about this story thanks to a reader like you. We’re listening. 👂🏽 (Read more.)