The unfortunate reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what is normal for our communities. Today, Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf said that about 600,000 Pennsylvanians have filed for unemployment benefits. This means that in addition to state-wide school closures, families have also lost their primary sources of income. This has created many financial hardships, among them hunger. Families with school-aged children are now home and without the income, it’s a struggle to provide for them.
This past Tuesday, The Common Place, in partnership with New Spirit Presbyterian Church and Grace Christian Fellowship, began providing meals for Southwest Philly residents with the help of area food distribution centers. Those in need may come to The Common Place’s parking lot (located on 58th street between Kingsesing and Chester avenues) every Tuesday morning from 11 AM to 1 PM until the crisis is over.
Best COVID-19 Prevention Measures:
- Please stay at home if you are not feeling well
- Wash/scrub your hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face until you have washed your hands
- Avoid touching others in public venues
- If you are displaying COVID-19 symptoms like fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, call your doctor.
We need your help.
We certainly live in unsettling times. Every day, we hear of new reports, updated prevention and mitigation efforts, as well as confirmed COVID-19 cases that affect front-line workers. Today, a main food distribution center was shut down due to a confirmed COVID-19 case. As a result, the facility will be closed for sanitation over the next few days. This closure directly affects our ability to provide meals at TCP. Please be assured that we are committed to providing this essential service to our SW Philly neighbors as we seek an alternative food distribution center.
We humbly ask that you consider donating non-perishable food items or financially to The Common Place so that we can continue to offer this vital service to our community during this time of great need. We’re in this together.
For more information, please contact Gene Burke via email geneburke@thecommonplacephilly.org or 267-275-8238 EXT. 304
