Check out the scene from the annual Lancaster Jazz & Arts Festival! It was a beautiful day to see some unbelievable jazz performers, shop and eat from local vendors, and honor members of the community! Stay tuned for more recaps of the day to come.

Presented by HopePHL and the 16th Police District Advisory Council, the 6th Annual Men’s Wellness Day took place over Father's Day weekend. The event celebrated fathers, promoted health, and honored Juneteenth all while fostering community and creating a perfect opportunity to spend the day outside in perfect summer weather. Valuable resources were available for attendees from our partners. The DJ played danceable hits while everyone enjoyed popcorn, cotton candy, and treats from the ice cream truck to cool down. Hot dogs and snacks were generously provided by the Police District. It was a great event that showcased the importance of prioritizing men’s wellness in the community.

May 2, 2024

Representatives of the local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have been protesting the construction happening at 38th & Lancaster Avenue this week.

HopePHL divested from the property at 3748-3750 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia three years ago, but does remain a minority, passive owner in the housing being developed. At our insistence via a deed restriction, 10% of the housing here will be affordable at 80% of the area median income level.

All contractors were selected after a fair bidding process, and several union contractors were selected. HopePHL understands IBEW’s position as we also believe in the advantages of the development of skilled tradespeople, a diverse workforce, and the protections of workers.​

HopePHL’s Men’s Wellness Event is held in June each year, in recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month, at the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Spring Garden Street. This year’s event – the eighth annual – featured blood pressure education and screenings and Stop the Bleed program information. The American Red Cross demonstrated proper CPR techniques. West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood sponsored a Promise Village that included literacy groups, arts and crafts and a demonstration of healthy smoothie blending from Farm Explorer and Greener Partners. Community Legal Services and Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity were also onsite to offer services.

The New Africa Center, in collaboration with HopePHL and Penn Praxis, has been diligently working to develop a neighborhood plan that revolves around the creation of a cultural district named "The New Freedom District." After a series of community engagement sessions, on Thursday, May 4, 2023, the organizations activated the vacant lots on Lex Street as the first site to reimagine due to its status as the "gateway to the business corridor."
 
Dante Leonard, HopePHL's Commercial Corridor Manager reflected on how special this project was for him, HopePHL and the community. "I have a passion for helping people and bringing people together to proactively solve problems and collectively build solutions. This is exactly what the community has done in bringing this once vacant and forgotten space back to life. The story of Lex Street has left a mark on Philadelphia history. It is a great feeling to be involved in this project that has the potential to positively engage young residents in this community. I have lived and worked in West Philadelphia my entire life. This neighborhood is very much a part of my fabric as a man, father, and community leader."