People's Emergency Center
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Community Development

To learn about PECCDC's programming, partners, and the neighborhoods served, visit PECCDC's community website: www.LancasterAvePhilly.com

The People’s Emergency Center’s mission is to nurture families, strengthen neighborhoods and drive change in West Philadelphia. PEC offers more than 250 affordable housing units, job training, parenting and early childhood education, financial education and planning, life skills and technology coursework. PEC seeks to change the life trajectory for the women and children who seek its services and inspire them to aspire to new heights.

The PEC Community Development Corporation (PECCDC) programs respond to community needs and build on neighborhood assets to help bridge the digital divide, expand mixed-income housing opportunities, stimulate economic growth, create wealth, and improve the quality of life for all West Philadelphia residents.
"MAKE YOUR MARK" NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN (reduced)
"MAKE YOUR MARK" NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN (full)
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WHAT WE DO

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ARTS AND CULTURE

PECCDC focuses on amplifying the existing arts community by supporting many arts initiatives in West Philadelphia. Galleries, film screenings, live music shows and family events occur monthly along Lancaster Ave, bringing out neighbors and visitors alike. 

Programs:
• Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave
• Lancaster Ave Jazz and Arts Festival
• Neighborhood Time Exchange

Contact: Kevin Musselman (267) 777-5824  kmusselman@pec-cares.org
Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave.
Lancaster Ave Jazz & Arts Festival
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LANCASTER AVENUE

PECCDC works to improve the Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor through public events that bring shoppers to the district, connecting existing businesses to technical assistance, and creating and marketing available properties to new quality businesses.

Programs:
• Second Fridays on Lancaster Ave
• Business resources
• Business association meetings
• Available properties

Contact: James Wright (267) 777-5853   jameswright@pec-cares.org
Lancaster Ave news, events & resources
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

PECCDC’s Community Resources Hotline connects callers with all the free services that PEC offers. (267) 777-5477
​To learn of housing opportunities, visit www.PEChousing.com


Programs:
• Public benefit sign-up
• Get health insurance
• Weekly food cupboard
• Employment help
• Free clothing shop
• Free credit repair
• Criminal Record Expungement clinics

Contact: Zachary Davidson (267) 777-5854  zdavidson@pec-cares.org

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DIGITAL INCLUSION AND TECHNOLOGY

PECCDC’s Center for Digital Inclusion and Technology (CDIT) offers free computer training programs for students of all ages, connects people to high-speed internet at a low cost, and provides open access to a computer lab four days a week. Youth participants receive a free refurbished computer when they graduate from a CDIT after school program.

Programs:
• Free adult and youth computer & internet classes
• Public computer lab
• Low-cost internet

Contact: Nathan Kuruna (267) 777-5816  nkuruna@pec-cares.org
Digital Inclusion
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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Improving cleanliness, safety, and community health are priorities of PECCDC’s economic development strategy. These efforts focus on creating a welcoming environment on Lancaster Ave, providing healthy food access and wellness opportunities for residents.

Programs:
• Weekly food cupboard
• Neighborhood cleanup
• Anti-litter projects
• uGo fitness program
• Tree planting

Contact: Kevin Brown (267) 777-5820  kbrown@pec-cares.org
uGO Fitness Program
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HOUSING AND REPAIRS

PECCDC hosts home repair programs and connects homeowners to home repair grants, loans, and property tax discounts. PECCDC’s housing developments transform vacant buildings, houses, and lots into affordable housing opportunities for renters and owners.

Programs:
• Housing Workshops
• Help with various home  repair programs
• Affordable Housing
• Help with property tax relief programs

Contact: Kevin Brown (267) 777-5820 
kbrown@pec-cares.org
Rentals: Trina Wallace (267) 777-5832 
twallace@pec-cares.org

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CENTER FOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

The Center for Employment and Training bolsters economic development of West Philadelphia by teaching individuals the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and by guiding them in getting their finances and households in order. 

Programs:
• Employment Services
• Job Training
• BenePhilly
• Financial Empowerment

Contact: Zach Davidson (267) 777-5854 
​
zdavidson@pec-cares.org ​
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COMMUNITY CONNECTORS

Community Connectors engage residents to help improve lives and strengthen neighborhoods. They share information about events, resources and opportunities for families. Community Connectors reach people wherever they are, whether at the supermarket, child care center, library, hair salon, school or home. Through conversations and surveys, they get to know their neighbors, connect them to resources, and find out what's needed in the community.

Programs:
• Food Cupboard
• Community Drop Spots

Contact: Cass Green (267) 777-5893 
​
cgreen@pec-cares.org ​
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ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

The Community Connector Environmental Services has been formed to sweep and clean Lancaster Avenue from 38th to 42nd streets. Their message to the public is "If you are on Lancaster Avenue, treat it like your home. It is a reflection of who we are, so we want to care for it."

Contact: Cass Green (267) 777-5893
 cgreen@pec-cares.org 

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Meet our Funders

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), Philadelphia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), FHLB Pittsburgh, PA Office of Child Development & Early Learning, Philadelphia Department of Commerce, Comcast Corporation, Comcast Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia LISC, Enterprise Community Partners, Kresge Foundation, Surdna Foundation, William Penn Foundation, Philadelphia Foundation, Lincoln Financial Foundation, ArtPlace America,  National Endowment for the Arts, Freedom Rings KEYSPOT, Digital Literacy Alliance, Drexel University, Philadelphia Youth Network, Lindback Foundation, The Allen Hilles Fund, AARP Pennsylvania, Edna G. Kynett Memorial Foundation, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Knight Foundation, Leo & Peggy Pierce Foundation, Penn Medicine, TD Bank Charitable Foundation, Union Benevolent Association, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, PA Council on the Arts, Philadelphia Activities Fund, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Philabundance, Greensgrow Farms, United Way

Meet Some of Our Partners

City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, Producers Guild of Philadelphia, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, The West Powelton Steppers Drill Team & Drum Line, Islamic Cultural Preservation and Information Council (ICPIC), Reelblack Cinema, Indigo Bleu Design and Culture Center, Slought Foundation, PhillyCAM, Public Workshop, Tiny WPA, Community Education Center, Traction Company, Spiral Q, Mighty Writers, Philyva, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Paul Robeson House & Museum, African American Museum of Philadelphia, Lancaster Avenues 21st Century Business Association, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Center, Drexel University, Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, Rose's Clubhouse, Wexford Science & Technology, Citizens Planning Institute, 16th Police District, Belmont Alliance Civic Association, City of Philadelphia oTIS, EAT Café, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Indego Bikeshare, Mantua Civic Association,  Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity, Mill Creek Advisory Council, Mill Creek Community Partnership, Mt. Vernon Manor CDC, Philadelphia Museum of Art Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, School District of Philadelphia, Technology Learning Collaborative (TLC), University Square Apartments, West Belmont Civic Association, West Philadelphia Arts Connect (WPAC), West Powelton Concerned Community Council, West Powelton/Saunders Park RCO.

People's Emergency Center

Main Office: (267) 777-5880
​Email: pec@pec-cares.org

PEC Community Development Corporation

Community Resource Hotline: (267) 777-5477
​Email: peccdc@pec-cares.org

PEC Center for Employment & Training

Contact: (267) 777-5854
​Email: zdavidson@pec-cares.org

Policy & Research

Phone: (267) 777-5851
​Email: policy@pec-cares.org
  • Home
  • Housing & Support
  • Community Development
    • Lancaster Ave.
  • Policy
    • Early Childhood
    • Youth >
      • YouthHEALers Blog
    • PEC Policy Research Advisory Consortium
    • Leadership
    • Become An Advocate
    • Policy Publications
  • About
    • Calendar
    • Leadership
    • History
    • Financial
    • News
  • Contact
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