Trash is cited as the most important issue to the PSCA general membership. Litter on the streets clogs our storm drains, leading to further flooding problems. It negatively impacts property values. The presence of litter on the street also sends the sign that our neighborhood is not cared for, inviting drugs and other crime into our area. In a recent survey done among our membership, the majority of respondents cited trash as their biggest concern.
For the past several years, PSCA has been working to combat the litter problem. In addition to educating residents and businesses, the group has also been raising funds to hire a professional street cleaning service, as is done in other neighborhoods in the City. We know that litter begets litter- so if we are capable of removing it, we can break the cycle that perpetuates litter behavior.
With the generous support of State Representative Babette Josephs (D-182), and the contributions of many neighbors and local businesses, PSCA has now contracted with a professional street cleaning service to provide services for a limited time as a pilot program.
Ready, Willing & Able (RWA) which employs local men transitioning out of homelessness has been awarded the short-term contract to provide cleaning service for all major streets in the neighborhood for two days in each August and September of 2009.
PSCA hopes that this pilot program will be successful, and that it will attract contributions from more neighbors and local businesses to help make it permanent. The annual cost to keep the program going would be around $25,000, or just $10 per household.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What streets will be serviced?
Only main streets within the area (6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and Ellsworth, Federal, Wharton, Reed, Dickinson and Tasker streets) will receive service. We hope to add smaller streets if additional funding becomes available.
What will happen to the collected bags?
* The bags will be taken to one of three collection sites in the neighborhood (Capitolo Playground and Gold Star Park) and the bags will be collected by City of Philadelphia sanitation workers within 24 hours. *(hopefully).
How much does this service cost?
PSCA will pay RWA just over $3000. This cost includes four days of cleaning service, or 28 hours of paid work, as well as all brooms, bags, trucks and other equipment usage.
What is Ready, Willing & Able?
RWA is part of the Doe Fund, whose mission is to develop and implement cost-effective, holistic programs that meet the needs of a diverse population working to break the cycles of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism. All of The Doe Fund’s programs and innovative business ventures ultimately strive to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency. Their Philadelphia location houses and trains 70 men in South Philadelphia and has been recognized as a national best practice.
How can I help support the program?
The only way for the program to continue is if PSCA is able to raise enough funds to sustain it. Therefore, your contributions are vital to keep it going. Please make a tax-deductible contribution to PSCA by sending a check made out to Passyunk Square Civic Association to P.O. Box 18053, Philadelphia PA 19147. You can also help spread the word to your friends and neighbors and encourage their financial support.