After meeting the encampment of people living on the Delaware River, also known as Camp Chloe after the beloved camp pet dog, I started looking into the shelter system here in Philadelphia. As someone without deep personal experience in homelessness, it can be confusing why people wouldn't go to shelters. But it was immediately easy to understand that the shelter system separates families, rehomes pets, and can attract crime. And recently I've seen reports of serious maintenance and health issues at some of the top city-funded shelters; this includes one where a past CEO made upwards of $550,000 in salary.
As I dig into Mayor Parker's budget to understand how that 2027 money will help our most vulnerable population, I'd like to hear your questions. What do you not understand about shelters, intake centers or homelessness? What would you ask someone in that position and what are you curious about in their lives? Help me shape coverage of this issue that impacts us all, and help me put faces and names to what is usually dehumanizing coverage in mainstream media. Email me directly: adooling at gmail dot com.
A big thank you to everyone who sent items for our block party in Kensington! Thanks to Roz, we moved inside from the rain to Sunshine House and fed a couple hundred people! I want to give a big thank you to our barber, Anthony, who gave people clean ups and cuts, and to every single one of you who donated hygiene items and food. You make your community better!
Here are some volunteer opportunities this week.
Tuesday, April 28: The Sunday Love Project is looking for helpers for their grocery store in Kensington. This is a recurring opportunity helping Kensington locals feed their families and learning about the food ecosystem.
Wednesday, April 29: 6:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at LOVE Park, join The Everywhere Project to provide hot food, water, clothing, and more to our friends in center city. This is a weekly distribution and a great entry point for beginners.
Thursday, April 30: Spend up to $100 to fill a pantry and get reimbursed by the Germantown Community Fridge. You shop on your own, visit a fridge and get reimbursed. This is a recurring volunteer request.
Friday, May 1: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mifflin Square Park join South Philly Punks with Lunch and Food Not Bombs to distribute produce and meals to residents. Harm reduction supplies are also on-hand. This distribution is weekly on Fridays. You can also bring clothing and unspoiled food donations.
This is my weekly distro and if you are interested in coming, I will be a friendly face at the table. Message me to come with me!
Saturday, May 2: From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Share Food Program needs volunteers to pack up boxes of food. “As a warehouse volunteer, you'll be expected to lift products (between 2-5 lbs) to help pack boxes on an assembly line. You'll be expected to lift food boxes between 30-31 lbs.”
Sunday, May 3: The Fishtown Neighbors Association needs volunteers for its mutual aid program. Pickup groceries from Riverwards and deliver it to Fishtown neighbors in-need. This is a recurring opportunity based on need. Apply at this link.
May 3 is also From Our Hands Fest at Fleisher Art Memorial, from noon to 4 p.m. They're serving food from across the Asian diaspora with free entry. They need volunteers to make the event go smoothly and you'll be in proximity to tons of delicious food all day.
Let me know if you have any questions!