How to Fight Food Insecurity in Philly

Donate peanut butter! Organize a food drive! Sort cans! Here are 15 simple things you can do now to help food insecure citizens of Philadelphia.

By Christine Speer Lejeune
Ronnie Listens

Why “Housing First” Works

The “Housing First” model is helping homeless people get — and stay — off the streets. So why is it still considered “radical?”

By Ronnie Polaneczky

Want a Job? Get a Job.

Since The Citizen wrote about First Step Staffing in 2018, the nonprofit has placed thousands of vulnerable Philadelphians in entry level jobs around the region. Now, it’s launching Second Step to create even better opportunities for all.

By Courtney DuChene

Help Keep Philadelphians Warm

As temperatures stay low, many Philadelphians will urgently need to find warmth over the next several weeks. Here, some simple, impactful ways you can support them.

By Nina Dilworth

What Mattered In 2021

2021 was another year of tragedy and hardship—and also hope and resilience. In other words: It was Philly.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy
Guest Commentary

Tiny Houses Have a Big Problem

The favorite bourgeois solution to homelessness won’t solve the problem and reveals sneering class bias, a formerly homeless Philadelphian and City staffer says. Why aren’t we doing what actually works?

By Josh Kruger
Citizen of The Week

Joshua Santiago

Having given more than 8,000 free haircuts to people experiencing homelessness in Philly and beyond, one local father is serving up not just style, but dignity

By Emma Riverso
Citizens of the Week

Welcome Bread

The volunteer peanut butter and jelly brigade is helping to feed thousands of people throughout the region during the pandemic

By Elena Musher Eisenstadt

“Roll Up Your Sleeves and Get To Work”

An update on professor and activist Stephanie Sena, who is still working to uplift Philadelphians in need of food, shelter and dignity

By Isabel Mehta

“How Do You Make Sure People Still Get Food?”

New Philabundance CEO Loree Jones started her job in the midst of a pandemic and racial protests that roiled the city. She is exactly where she wants to be.

By Roxanne Patel Shepelavy