As part of a citywide anti-poverty initiative, the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is offering residents the opportunity to clear their criminal records for free. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
The rental vacancy rate in the Philadelphia metropolitan area in the first quarter of this year was 4.2%, according to Realtor.com. That’s down from 6.3% at the same time last year. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)
Simone C. was born with Marfan syndrome which led to retina detachments in both eyes. Although Simone, who is in her thirties, has significant vision loss, she leads a vibrant and independent life in Philadelphia. | From: Fun Times (Read more.)
Water service to more than 100,000 Philadelphia households will be protected when shut-offs resume in July for the first time in two years, city officials said Tuesday.
Anyone who applies for help in paying their water bill will not be disconnected, and neither will those enrolled in Philadelphia Water Department assistance programs. | From: Metro Philly (Read more.)
Electricity rates will rise for most Pennsylvania residents on Wednesday, June 1, just in time for what federal climate scientists say will be a hotter than average summer. PECO’s customers will see the lowest rise at 8.1%, while PPL, which serves some suburban Philadelphia residents, will experience a much higher 38% increase. | From: WHYY (Read more.)
Philadelphia, the state’s largest district by far, is among the hardest hit. Over the 10-year period studied, special education costs rose by $347 million while state funding increased by just $27 million. Philadelphia’s enrollment is predominantly Black and Hispanic and low-income. | From: Chalkbeat (Read more.)
Anti-violence organizations struggle to continue providing services to violence survivors amid a lack of government support. | From: The Temple News (Read more.)
Gun violence in Philadelphia has gone up in the last five years, making programs to help children and teens cope with violence essential. | From: The Temple News (Read more.)
Parks and tree cover offer health benefits and reduce crime incidents, but access to greenspace is vastly unequal across the city. | From: The Temple News (Read more.)
More than 51% of respondents reported that they would like to go back to their job after the pandemic is over, while 26% said they would not prefer to go back to their job. | From: Fun Times (Read more.)
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