The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of July 29th

Serving the residents and neighbors of Eastwick, Southwest Philadelphia, since our founding. The Eastwick Bulletin is published weekly to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered.

Welcome to this week's edition of The Eastwick Bulletin!

As we navigate the intense heat of late July, our community continues to demonstrate resilience and commitment to building a healthier, more equitable Eastwick. This week, we celebrate the momentum of Philadelphia's urban forest initiative, address urgent heat equity concerns, highlight neighborhood cleanup opportunities, and invite you to one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations of the summer.

🌟 POSITIVE UPDATE: Community Action for Environmental Justice

TreePhilly Expands Urban Forest to Cool Our Neighborhoods

We are thrilled to highlight the continued momentum of Philadelphia's TreePhilly initiative and the Philly Tree Plan, a comprehensive 10-year strategic framework designed to equitably grow and care for our city's urban forest. This initiative represents a powerful commitment to environmental justice and community health that directly benefits Eastwick residents.

The Philly Tree Plan aims to achieve 30 percent tree canopy coverage in every Philadelphia neighborhood by 2025, with continued expansion through 2035. For Eastwick, this means more trees in our streets, parks, and yards, which brings multiple benefits: increased cooling during heat waves, improved air quality, reduced stormwater flooding, enhanced property values, and improved mental health and community gathering spaces.

TreePhilly's free yard tree giveaways have been incredibly successful, with spring 2026 giveaways already sold out due to overwhelming community demand. The program provides free trees to residents, along with planting guidance and ongoing care support. Additionally, the Philly Tree Plan's Tree Forward grants support community-led urban forestry projects across the city, with organizations receiving funding to implement tree planting, stewardship, and community engagement initiatives.

For Eastwick residents interested in participating, the Southwest Collaborative Fall Yard Tree Giveaway is coming on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Bartram's Garden. This will be one of only two citywide TreePhilly giveaways this fall, with approximately 150 to 200 free yard trees available with no zip code restrictions. This is a tremendous opportunity to increase tree canopy in our neighborhood and build community resilience.

We encourage all Eastwick residents to take advantage of these tree planting opportunities and to support the TreePhilly initiative as we work together to create a cooler, healthier, and more equitable neighborhood.

Trash Academy's Mapping Event: Community-Led Solutions to Illegal Dumping

Last week, Trash Academy successfully hosted a critical community mapping event on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at The Discovery Center in Philadelphia. This powerful gathering brought together residents from across Philadelphia who are fed up with illegal dumping and ready to take action.

Trash Academy's mission is bold and necessary: create a comprehensive, transparent map of illegal dump sites across city streets, vacant lots, and parks as a critical step toward addressing them comprehensively. By mapping these sites block by block, residents are building the data and evidence needed to hold the city accountable and demand equitable solutions.

The mapping event will feature residents and community organizations working together to document illegal dumping locations and share strategies for community-led cleanup and prevention. Shari Hersh, codirector of Trash Academy, emphasizes that the goal is not only to clean sites but also to replace outdated waste management systems with sustainable, long-term solutions.

This is a powerful example of Eastwick residents and neighbors across Philadelphia taking direct action to address environmental injustice. If you are interested in participating in this important mapping effort or learning more about Trash Academy's work, we encourage you to attend the August 23 event at The Discovery Center. Together, we can build the evidence and community power needed to create a cleaner, healthier Philadelphia.

🚨 URGENT COMMUNITY CONCERN: Extreme Heat and Heat Equity Crisis

As Philadelphia experiences an intense string of heat waves in July 2026, the Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. must address a critical and often overlooked public health crisis: extreme heat and the disproportionate impact on our most vulnerable residents.

Philadelphia is facing a new climate reality. The city is experiencing more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense heat waves than ever before. According to recent data from the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, by 2080, Philadelphia could see up to three weeks each year with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and as many as five heat waves annually. The frequency and intensity of hot days is projected to increase from 21 to 34 days per year by the 2050s.

The Heat Equity Crisis:

While heat waves affect all Philadelphians, the burden is not equally distributed. A critical equity issue exists: 39 percent of Black households and 45 percent of Hispanic households in Philadelphia lack adequate air conditioning or cooling protection. In Eastwick, a majority Black neighborhood, this means that nearly four out of every ten households are vulnerable to heat-related illness and death during extreme heat events.

Heat-related illness and mortality disproportionately affect elderly residents, children, people with chronic conditions, and those living in poverty. During extreme heat events, vulnerable residents face life-threatening risks, yet many lack access to cooling centers, adequate home weatherization, or reliable air conditioning.

What EFNC is Doing:

The Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. recognizes that cooling must be treated as a basic human right, not a luxury. We are advocating for the expansion of city and state weatherization programs to include cooling measures such as reflective roofs, improved insulation, and air conditioning installation. We are also pushing for increased access to cooling centers during heat emergencies and for community-based heat resilience planning that prioritizes the most vulnerable residents.

We call on Philadelphia city and state officials to recognize the heat equity crisis and commit resources to ensuring that every resident, particularly those in environmental justice communities like Eastwick, has access to safe cooling during extreme heat events.

Resources for Heat Relief:

During heat emergencies, residents can access cooling centers throughout Philadelphia. Call 311 or visit the ReadyPhiladelphia website for locations and hours. Additionally, the Clean Air Council has developed a Flooding and Heat Resilience Toolkit with comprehensive information about heat preparedness and resources.

⚠️ COMMUNITY CONCERN: Illegal Dumping and Abandoned Vehicles Threaten Neighborhood Health

Illegal dumping and abandoned vehicles remain persistent problems in Eastwick, creating environmental hazards, reducing property values, attracting crime, and diminishing neighborhood quality of life. These issues are not simply aesthetic concerns; they represent environmental injustice and a public health threat to our community.

Eastwick has historically been targeted for illegal dumping due to the presence of vacant lots and flood-prone areas. Abandoned vehicles litter our streets, and hazardous materials are often illegally disposed of in our neighborhood. These activities contaminate soil and water, create safety hazards, and send a message that our community does not matter.

What Residents Can Do:

The good news is that residents have tools to address this problem. Philadelphia's Philly 311 system makes it easy to report illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, and requests for vacant lot cleanup. Residents can use the mobile app, access the online portal, or call 3-1-1 to report these issues. The Office of Clean and Green Initiatives coordinates response efforts.

Additionally, community cleanup initiatives provide opportunities for residents to take direct action. The Clean and Green Program organizes regular community cleanups, and residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood beautification efforts.

What EFNC is Doing:

EFNC is committed to advocating for increased city resources for cleanup and enforcement, as well as supporting community-led cleanup initiatives. We believe that every neighborhood deserves to be clean, safe, and healthy, and we will continue to push for equitable investment in environmental sanitation and neighborhood beautification.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

🎉 FEATURED EVENT: ACANAFEST 18th Edition, FREE FOOD GIVEAWAY and Ceremonial Street Renaming

The PECO Multicultural Series proudly presents the 18th Edition of ACANAFEST, one of Philadelphia's premier celebrations of African culture, music, food, and art!

Hosted by the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA), this incredible festival celebrates unity, culture, and the vibrant spirit of the Global African Diaspora. Bring your family and friends for a day filled with traditional and contemporary music, dynamic dance performances, authentic cuisines, and a bustling marketplace of artisans and vendors.

Event Details:

•Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026

•Time: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

•Location: Cherry Street Pier at Penn's Landing (121 N. Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19106)

•Cost: FREE and open to the public!

For vendor and volunteering information, please call ACANA at 215-729-8225. Do not miss this spectacular celebration of community and culture!

🍽️ FREE FOOD GIVEAWAY - Thursday, August 6

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Corner of 80th & Buist Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Organizer: Council President Kenyatta Johnson

Free food giveaway while supplies last! This is a wonderful opportunity for Eastwick residents to access fresh food and groceries at no cost. For more information, contact Special Community Organizer Lynne Wilson at 215-686-3412.

🙋 Officer Joseph Young Jr. Way - Ceremonial Street Renaming

Join Council President Kenyatta Johnson for a special ceremonial street renaming celebration!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM

Location: 6400 W 6300 Block, Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia

This is a meaningful celebration of community and public service honoring Officer Joseph Young Jr. Come together with your neighbors to recognize this important tribute to a dedicated public servant.

📸 LAST CALL: Nature In Focus Photo Competition Deadline July 31

If you have a passion for photography, this is your final opportunity to showcase your talent! The Nature In Focus Photo Competition at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is accepting submissions through July 31, 2026, and we encourage all Eastwick residents to participate.

Whether you are a seasoned photographer with professional equipment or someone who simply loves capturing beautiful moments with your smartphone, your work deserves to be seen. This competition celebrates the natural beauty of our local refuge and the incredible biodiversity that thrives in our neighborhood.

Submissions are open to photographers of all skill levels and ages, with three separate divisions to ensure fair competition. Top photos will be displayed at the annual Nature In Focus exhibition, and cash prizes will be awarded to winning entries.

To submit your best shots of the refuge, visit fohrefuge.org/nature-in-focus-2026 for complete details, submission guidelines, and the online submission portal. Do not miss this final deadline to share your vision of the natural world with our community!

💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES

TreePhilly and Urban Forest Programs

Philadelphia's TreePhilly initiative provides free yard trees to residents through seasonal giveaways. The Philly Tree Plan is a 10-year strategic framework to achieve 30 percent tree canopy coverage in every neighborhood. Visit treephilly.org for information on upcoming giveaways and to learn about tree care resources.

Philly 311 Non-Emergency Services 

Report illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, overgrown vacant lots, and other neighborhood concerns through the Philly 311 system. Use the mobile app, online portal, or call 3-1-1 to submit service requests.

Heat Relief Resources

During extreme heat events, access cooling centers throughout Philadelphia by calling 311 or visiting ReadyPhiladelphia.org. The Clean Air Council's Flooding and Heat Resilience Toolkit provides comprehensive information about heat preparedness and resources.

Eastwick Library Summer Programs

The Free Library of Philadelphia's Eastwick branch offers free summer programs for youth and families, including video games, arts and crafts, educational activities, and more. Call (215) 685-4193 for more information.

📸 SEND US YOUR PHOTOS

We want to feature YOUR Eastwick experiences! Whether it's a beautiful sunset over John Heinz Refuge, a community gathering, or your children enjoying the summer programs at the library or playground, send your photos to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming bulletin.

🗣️ FUTURE TOPICS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

What issues matter most to you? Are there specific community resources, local businesses, or neighborhood heroes you'd like to see highlighted in future newsletters? Email us at [email protected] with your suggestions.

🤝 ABOUT EFNC AND JOIN OUR BOARD

The Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. (EFNC) is a registered 501(c)(3) community organization dedicated to advocating for the residents of Eastwick. We bring community stakeholders together to plan and advocate for an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable Eastwick.

We are actively seeking new board members! If you are passionate about our community and have skills in community organizing, environmental advocacy, grant writing, communications, or legal expertise, we want to hear from you. Visit our website at eastwickfnc.org to learn more about the application process.

📢 SHARE THE WORD

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Until next time,
The EFNC Team