Nicetown CDC Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NTCDC/NAC)
The purpose of the NTCDC/NAC is to reduce and prevent homelessness by serving neighborhoods/census tracts with at least 51% low to moderate income residents. Acitivities of the NTCDC/NAC are intended to address and prevent crises related to poverty and unemployment, while building self-reliance. Via our NAC Program, we deliver and serve an average of 1100 to 1200 requests per month.
The primary activities of the NTCDC/NAC includes:
Mortgage and Tax Foreclosure Diversion: Canvassing and directly contacting owners of homes and properties in danger of sheriff sale or foreclosure. Owners are made aware of efforts set up to help them save their homes and properties.
Quarterly Service Area Briefings: Community meetings with pertinent topics presented in collaboration with City Officials, agencies, departments, community and faith based organizations.
Publishing a quarterly Newsletter: The NTCDC/NAC newsletter (The Village Network) is a summary of NTDC/NAC resources, current events, notifications, important phone numbers, etc. The newsletter is primarily distributed electronically, and also available also via hard copy.
Nicetown CDC/Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee(NTCDC/NAS) Election: Nomination and community election of neighborhood stakeholders who act in an advisory role to the Nicetown CDC. The NTCDC/NAS is a diverse group that meets monthly to work together to address community issues and needs and ensures that important information is disseminated in the community.
Monthly Report: Quantifies NTCDC/NAC activities and reported to DHCD. Data reports of neighborhood conditions and quantifying resource distribution. NTCDC/NAC staff engages and assists the NTCDC/Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee. (NTCDC/NAS) To be nominated to run in the NTCDC/NAS Election, you must have lived/served and attended community meetings in the service area for at least 3 years.
The NTCDC/NAC service area boundaries are defined by 15 census tracts: 203 to 205; 276 to 284; and 265-267. The Nicetown Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NTCDC/NAC) is a program of the Nicetown CDC, governed by the Division of Housing & Community Development. (DHCD) (Service Area Map)
The Nicetown CDC has been contracted by the City of Philadelphia and PA Horticultural Society (PHS) to maintain vacant lots in North/Northwest Philadelphia for nearly 15 years. Beginning first with a small initial contract with parcels of land to maintain, the Nicetown CDC learned how to purchase landscaping equipment, manage and maintain vacant land. This allowed us to build and expand our capacity to manage our land care operations. We leveraged our own private Landscaping Company that maintains scattered sites. We hire and train local individuals to be a part of our Land Maintenance Crews. The goals of our Community Land Care/Land Maintenance programs is to stabilize, maintain and prepare vacant parcels for future development. The program also engages community residents as stewards in the care and maintenance of vacant land on their blocks and open spaces. Our crews work directly with community residents, businesses and other stakeholders to clean, green, maintain and beautify the neighborhoods we serve.
The Nicetown CDC is contracted by PHS to implement the Same Day Work & Pay Program, which allows them to hire individuals to clean targeted areas of neighborhoods and get paid $100 cash for a day’s work. The Nicetown CDC has operated this program since late 2020, and have since hired nearly 200 individuals to work, with many more on the waiting list for the opportunity. Workers also get access to the many resources and services available from the Nicetown CDC.
Some SDWP workers have gone on to obtain full and part-time jobs, including with the Nicetown CDC Land Care and Corridor Cleaning programs. SDWP has been very well received by the community, who are so thankful and pleased when they see the SDWP workers coming on their blocks. They have testimonials from community residents who have given them cakes, refreshments, promises to cook dinner and even a certificate of appreciation from a neighborhood group. The Nicetown CDC SDWP program has been instrumental in removing tons of trash and debris from the streets, residential blocks and parks in Nicetown and surrounding neighborhoods. It is an impactful and beneficial program that addresses problems with trash, litter and short dumping to improve neighborhood conditions and encourage neighbors to work with them to sustain it.
Founded in 2021 by Master Gardener, teacher/track coach and Nicetown resident Jenia Jolley, this community garden is a unique gathering place for gardeners, youth, families and seniors alike. Located in the 1.5 acre open space to the rear of the Nicetown CDC Community Center and Steel Elementary School, this space is evolving to a multi-purpose urban farm with areas for learning, planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. A myriad of flowers were planted and grow at Furtick Farms, which also features composting, watering systems and areas for entertainment as well as leisure. A Conceptual Plan is currently being implemented and various community partners and funding sources will help make Jenia Jolley’s dream of a farm for the community a reality.
Over the years, the Give Back was relocated to Nicetown Park, centralized on Nicetown’s business corridor. The event has since grown into a 2-day multi-cultural community festival, and is the Nicetown CDC’s signature event. The Give Back is not just another block party. It is a popular destination that appeals to large audiences – everyone from youth to seniors. Highlights include the ZAR Memorial Education Scholarships, Sons of Streetball, Ivan Robinson Amateur Boxing, Children’s Activities – and this year the Versus Fashion Show presented by Charles Gregory. The Health and Services Information Pavilion features more than thirty service providers with health screenings, service/ program information and giveaways. The Walk & Bike For Peace informs and brings awareness to violence prevention, emergency response, and voters education while inviting all to come and enjoy the Give Back. The highly anticipated Friday & Saturday Evening Concerts entertain and excite the audiences. This, along with our multi-cultural Vendors Merchandise and Food Bazaar will serve thousands over the two-day event. 2022 is the 20th Anniversary year for the Give Back Festival.